Do you ever feel like you’re just wandering through life, wondering if you have a true purpose? I’ve been there too. It’s easy to feel lost or unsure of your role in this world.
But as believers, we have been given an incredible gift — a Godly purpose. Each of us, uniquely called and equipped, has been chosen to be a light in the world, guiding others toward Jesus and showing them the way to salvation.
It’s not always easy, but it’s our calling, and it’s what we were made for.
Think about that for a second: you were created for this. You were saved for this exact purpose — to let your light shine. You might not always feel like a beacon, but God’s light is within you, and He asks you to let that light shine before others so they can see it, be drawn to it, and ultimately give glory to Him. That’s huge.
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Now, that’s both a command and a reminder. Jesus isn’t asking us to just keep our faith hidden; He’s asking us to live it out in a way that makes it impossible for others to miss.
It’s our job to shine a light on truth, on love, and on grace through our actions and words so that people can see the reality of God’s goodness. It’s not always about saying the right things — it’s about living in a way that others can’t help but notice something different about us.
But here’s where it gets tricky. Jesus warns us that this light of ours is visible to everyone, which means people are watching. It’s not a question of whether or not we’re being seen — we are.
The real question is, what kind of light are we shining? Is our light drawing people closer to Christ, or are we actually driving them away?
If you’re anything like me, that’s a sobering thought. I’ve had moments where I’ve realized that my actions or words, however well-intentioned, may have actually caused someone to take a step back from Jesus rather than a step forward. Ouch. And unfortunately, we’ve all seen examples of Christians who may mean well but end up pushing people away from the faith rather than inviting them into it.
You’ve probably heard the criticism yourself: “I would be a Christian, but the main thing keeping me from Jesus is Christians.” It stings because, deep down, we know there’s some truth to it. When we’re quick to judge, act self-righteously, or fail to listen, we end up becoming stumbling blocks instead of guides to Christ.
Jesus wasn’t the guy shouting people down on the street corner with a bullhorn or posting self-righteous comments on social media. No, He built relationships. He listened. He loved people where they were. His kindness, compassion, and truth brought people in, not pushed them away.
If we’re going to shine our light for Christ, we’ve got to follow His example. That means being thoughtful and loving in how we engage with others — not forcing our beliefs down someone’s throat, but inviting them in through our actions and our love.
And honestly, that’s where the real challenge lies. It’s easy to post a Bible verse or share a sermon online, but it’s much harder to live out those words in the everyday mess of life. It’s not just about the big moments; it’s about how we handle the little things, too — how we treat the grocery store cashier, how we respond to our family when we’re stressed, how we love the people who don’t always love us back. All of it matters.
It’s about being a light in a dark world, one that’s full of hurt, confusion, and chaos. People are searching for answers, for hope, and for meaning. And we have that hope.
We know the One who offers true peace, true joy, and true purpose. So let’s live in a way that reflects that. Let’s shine brightly enough that people can see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.
In a world filled with so much noise, we can be a steady, guiding light. But we have to be intentional about how we live. We can’t just talk about Jesus; we have to live like Him. We have to show people, through our actions, that God is real and that His love is transformative. When we do, our light will shine so brightly that people can’t help but be drawn to Him.
So, if you’re feeling like you don’t have a purpose, remember this: you were created to shine. You have a unique light within you, and the world desperately needs it. Your life, your actions, and your love have the power to point people to Jesus. And that’s a purpose worth living for.
Let’s make a difference, one small act of love at a time, and let our lives reflect the goodness of God in a way that brings glory to Him. Together, we can illuminate the world, one heart at a time.
Devotion on Matthew 5:17-18 found here.
For Deeper Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: If you’re searching for an accessible, powerful commentary, I highly recommend The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 by James Montgomery Boice. This book breaks down Jesus’ teachings with clarity and depth, guiding readers to not only understand but also live out these transformative truths. Explore more about this exceptional commentary here.