The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Light

In early colonial-era Boston, signal fires saved lives. On a hill above the budding city, a platform was built where fires could be seen miles out to sea and from neighboring villages. That hill, which became known as Beacon Hill – served a crucial purpose: it guided ships safely into harbor, warned of danger, and helped people find their new home. It was a bold and visible signal – a light that could not be ignored.

Jesus used the same imagery when He said:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14,16 (NIV)

Almost a hundred years after the settling of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a new light source replaced the Beacon Hill signal fire. The first lighthouse was built, and its light still guides ships to safety today. 

As believers, we are to be like that lighthouse. We have a light burning in us – Jesus. It is not our own light we shine but His light shining in and through us. We do not generate that light, we reflect it. The light in a lighthouse uses lenses and mirrors to magnify the light and project it across vast distances. 

Christians are called to reflect the light of Christ within us—amplified by our words, our actions, and our faith. When we live with integrity, compassion, humility, and boldness, that light shines clearer and farther.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

This world can feel like a fierce and stormy sea. Fear, confusion, pain, and division often rule and seem to be the only things visible to a lost world. But God has placed His people like beacons along the shore to burn brightly – to guide the lost to a new home, warn of danger, and offer comfort. 

Our “good works” – how we care for others, our responses to difficult situations, how we use the gifts He’s given us – are how the world sees His light shining in us.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

So, keep the fire burning. Stay close to the Source. And let your life be a lighthouse—a reflection of the Savior who never stops shining.

Questions for Reflection:

Can you think of a person who walks into a room, and it feels like the darkness disappears? 

How can you be a light like that to someone today? 

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Please let your light shine through me today. Help me to warm and comfort others with your Word and be a light that reveals Truth so people can know You and the power of Your salvation. Help me to accurately reflect Your image. In Your Precious Name, Amen.

Worship:

Here is a fun song that reminds us of the purpose of the Light, My Lighthouse by Rend Collective.

For Further Study:

If you want to read more on light, I recommend going to Bible Gateway and just type the word, “light.” Depending on the version, (I like the NLT for study purposes, but often look at many translations for better understanding.) you may see up to 300 verses with the word or theme of light. 

Previous Soul Water blogs on light:

Splendor and Majesty – Light

Splendor and Majesty – Absence of Light

My name is Keri Willis. I am a semi-retired educator. I spent a great deal of my career working with adults with developmental disabilities and many years in elementary education, in the classroom and as an administrator. My main ministry now is coordinating the women’s ministry for our church in San Diego, CA. I have been married thirty-four years and have two grown and married children. I now have a head of full grey hair and good ideas. I believe we are created to use our gifts and to be creative. That comes in many forms for me. I love to woodwork and use power tools, design, decorate, garden, and create new recipes. And I love to write. One major lesson I have learned in my writing journey is that I need to be still and listen to hear God’s voice before I am prepared to put into words the message he has instilled in my heart. This has been much easier since I am no longer working full time, but it is so easy to get distracted and not listen, which almost always ends with an empty page in the form of writer’s block. While I have written many articles for newsletters and local newspapers, I did not consider myself a writer until I self-published my first book, Teapots and Power Tools. https://www.amazon.com/Teapot.../dp/1466458763/ref=sr_1_3... The idea emerged as I was working on a project in my garage. I had worship music playing, power tools out and saw dust flying. I glanced up and saw my delicate teapot sitting on my router table. The message was clear. Sometimes we are using the power tools God gives us and sometimes he just wants us to be still and have tea with him. The book became the foundation for a women’s retreat, and then my amazing niece helped me work through publishing it on Create Space (now KDP). At least five other projects are in different stages of production. I joined hope*writers to help motivate me and keep me focused and accountable. I am still trying to figure out the whole website and blog thing. That is my next goal for myself; that and finish writing at least one of my projects! Teapots and Power Tools: Effectively using the tools God has equipped you with, while taking time to “Be Still and Know That He is God” View more posts