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“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:14
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
— Colossians 3:17
These verses form the backbone of the song “Shine Brightly for Him.” They address a very simple but very profound question:
How does a believer live in such a way that people do not see us, but see Christ in us, and glorify the Father?
Notice, Jesus does not say, “Try to become light” or “One day you may be light.” He says, “You are the light of the world.” This is an identity statement. It is not merely an exhortation to behave differently. It is a declaration of what we are in Him.
The song is built around three powerful scriptural truths:
1. Our identity: “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
2. Our purpose: “Let your light shine… that they may see your good works and glorify your Father.” (Matthew 5:16)
3. Our lifestyle: “Whatever you do… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)
To live this out is to engage in spiritual warfare, because darkness always resists light. But darkness has no answer to light. When light shines, darkness must retreat.
Let us see what the Word of God says about this calling to shine.
---
### The Setting of Matthew 5:14, 16
Matthew 5 is the beginning of what we call the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is speaking primarily to His disciples, though multitudes are listening (Matthew 5:1–2; 7:28–29). He is not giving general moral advice to the world. He is describing the character and calling of those who belong to His Kingdom.
He has just pronounced the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12)—blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Immediately after describing this character, He tells them:
In other words:
The very people the world might despise—meek, poor in spirit, persecuted—are the ones Jesus says are most essential to the preservation and illumination of the world.
Jesus speaks these words under Roman occupation, in a spiritually dark and morally corrupt environment. Israel had external religion, but much of it was hollow. The nations had their idols and philosophies, but lived in darkness. Into that situation, Jesus says to His disciples:
“You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others.”
This is not a call to religious display. He ends the verse with a purpose:
“…that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
So the issue is not whether people see us. The issue is what they conclude from what they see. Do they end up glorifying us, or glorifying the Father?
### The Setting of Colossians 3:17
Colossians is written by the apostle Paul to believers in Colossae—Gentiles living in a pagan culture, surrounded by idolatry and various false spiritual philosophies. Paul’s burden is that Christ should be preeminent “in everything” (Colossians 1:18).
Colossians 3 describes the “new man” in Christ. Believers are to:
Then Paul summarizes the Christian life in one sweeping statement:
> “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks…”
This is the practical definition of what it means to “shine.” It is not merely what we do in church. It includes every word, every action, every relationship, every task. All must be done in His name and with thanksgiving.
The song rightly ties together Matthew 5 and Colossians 3. Light is not just a doctrine; light is a lifestyle.
---
### 1. “Light” – Greek: *phōs* (φῶς)
The word for “light” in Matthew 5:14–16 is φῶς (phōs).
Literal meaning:
In the New Testament, *phōs* is used:
Notice that Scripture does not say we merely have light. It says we are light. But only in the Lord.
This means our light is not self-generated. It is derived. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so we reflect the light of the Son. Without Him, we are darkness; in Him, we are light.
So when the song says:
> “You are the light of the world
> A city on a hill cannot be hidden…”
It is not speaking primarily about our personalities, skills, or charisma. It is speaking about the manifestation of God’s own nature—His truth, holiness, and love—shining through us.
### 2. “Good Deeds/Good Works” – Greek: *kalos ergon* (καλὰ ἔργα)
In Matthew 5:16, the phrase “good works” is καλὰ ἔργα (kalà érga).
So Jesus is not merely talking about “correct” works, but beautiful, attractive, noble works—works that display the beauty and goodness of God’s character.
These works:
The song captures this when it says:
> “Your kindness, your truth, your mercy shown
> Will draw them to worship the One on the throne.”
Kindness, truth, mercy—these are “beautiful works.” When they are genuine and Spirit-produced, they become light that draws people toward God.
---
We will walk through the main themes in the lyrics and connect them with Scripture.
### A. “You are the light of the world… a city on a hill”
> “You are the light of the world
> A city on a hill cannot be hidden
> No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket
> Instead, they set it on a stand
> So it gives light to everyone in the house”
This is almost a direct quotation of Matthew 5:14–15.
There are three pictures here:
1. Light of the world – global scope
2. City on a hill – corporate, visible testimony
3. Lamp in a house – personal, local testimony
#### 1. Light of the World – Union with Christ
In John 8:12, Jesus says: “I am the light of the world.” In Matthew 5:14, He says to His disciples: “You are the light of the world.” Both are true. He is the source; we are the vessels.
We shine because we are united with Him. Apart from Him we have nothing to radiate.
#### 2. City on a Hill – The Church as a Corporate Testimony
A city is not one stone; it is many stones joined together. Scripture says believers are “living stones” being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).
So “a city on a hill” points to the corporate witness of the Church—visible, elevated, observable. This has two implications:
#### 3. Lamp in a House – Personal Responsibility
“No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket…” (Matthew 5:15).
The song’s imagery:
> “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket
> Instead, they set it on a stand
> So it gives light to everyone in the house”
The “house” represents our immediate sphere: family, workplace, neighborhood, relationships. God intends that His light in us will illuminate those closest to us.
The “basket” represents anything that covers or suppresses the testimony of Christ in us:
Spiritual warfare often takes this form: the enemy is not always trying to eliminate our faith, but to cover it, to make it harmless and invisible.
### B. “Let your light shine… that they may see your good deeds”
> “Let your light shine before others
> That they may see your good deeds
> And glorify your Father in heaven”
This is word-for-word Matthew 5:16. There are three parts:
1. Command: “Let your light shine” – a choice, an act of the will
2. Means: People “see your good deeds” – visible, practical righteousness
3. Goal: “Glorify your Father” – not our reputation, but His
#### Good Works as Visible Light
Scripture is very clear that we are not saved by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). But the very next verse says:
> “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works.
The song expands this:
> “In the same way, live so your light breaks through
> Let people see the good things you do
> Not for your praise, but to point up above
> So hearts turn to God and feel His love”
Here we see the inner attitude: not self-exaltation, but pointing to God.
Jesus warned about performing works to be seen by men (Matthew 6:1). The problem is not that people see, but why we want them to see.
So the issue is not just what we do, but for whom we do it, and in whose name.
### C. “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord”
> “Whatever you do, in word or in deed
> Do it all in the name of the Lord
> Give thanks to the Father through Jesus His Son
> Live as children of light, bearing good fruit
> Full of goodness, righteousness, truth
> Find out what pleases Him, walk in His ways”
This gathers together Colossians 3:17 and Ephesians 5:8–10:
Notice these phrases:
1. “Live as children of light” – Identity precedes behavior.
2. “Bearing good fruit” – Light produces something visible and tangible.
3. “Full of goodness, righteousness, truth” – Ephesians 5:9 defines the “fruit of light” exactly this way.
4. “Find out what pleases Him” – This is a process of discernment, often involving the Word and the Spirit searching our motives and actions.
Light and fruit are connected:
True light is not just doctrinal correctness; it is a life that displays God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth in practical ways.
### D. “Don’t hide the hope… the world is in darkness, but you’ve been made light”
> “Don’t hide the hope that’s burning inside
> The world is in darkness, but you’ve been made light
> Every act of love, every word of grace
> Is a spark in the night leading straight to His face”
This echoes Ephesians 5:8 again: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.”
Notice the wording: not “you were in darkness,” but “you were darkness.” Darkness was our very nature. Now, in Christ, we are light. This is a total change of nature, produced by the new birth.
The song rightly identifies our time as a time of darkness. Scripture confirms this:
In that context, every act of Spirit-led love, every Spirit-filled word of grace, becomes a spark—a manifestation of Christ’s presence that points people toward Him.
This is spiritual warfare:
> “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
So when the song says:
> “Every act of love, every word of grace
> Is a spark in the night leading straight to His face”
It is describing exactly this: our lives become a means by which people see the face of Jesus—His character, His glory, His love.
### E. “Let the glory fall on Him, not on your track”
> “Shine, shine—don’t hold it back
> Let the glory fall on Him, not on your track”
This touches a critical heart issue: Who gets the glory?
The human heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Even in doing “good works,” we can secretly crave recognition. But Isaiah 42:8 says:
> “I am the LORD; that is My name; My glory I give to no other…”
Whenever we shine for our own glory, we actually dim the light of Christ. Pride is spiritual darkness. Humility is transparency that allows His light to shine freely.
Jesus Himself is the perfect example:
> “I do not seek My own glory…” (John 8:50)
> “I seek not My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 5:30)
So, to “let the glory fall on Him” means:
### F. “Keep shining bright in a world that’s gone dim”
> “Keep shining bright in a world that’s gone dim
> Your good works will echo the beauty of Him
> The Father who sees will receive all the praise
> When lives are changed by His light in your ways”
Here two truths are brought together:
1. Perseverance in shining – “Keep shining…”
2. The Father’s secret reward – “The Father who sees…”
Jesus speaks in Matthew 6 of the Father “who sees in secret.” We may feel unnoticed, unappreciated, or opposed. But the Father sees. And He listens for one thing: Did this result in My glory?
When our ways are filled with His light—His character, His truth, His love—lives will be changed. But the song rightly insists:
The true explanation for changed lives is “His light in your ways”, not your natural kindness or personality. This keeps the emphasis on grace, not on human virtue.
---
We will consider four practical steps, or you may call them four “proclamations of lifestyle.”
### 1. First, we must embrace our identity as light in the Lord
You will never consistently live as light if you doubt that, in Christ, you are light.
Proclamation of truth:
“I was once darkness, but now I am light in the Lord. I am the light of the world in union with Jesus Christ.”
Feed on Scriptures that affirm this:
Stop speaking of yourself only in terms of your past failures and weaknesses. Agree with God’s Word about what you are now in Christ.
### 2. Second, we must remove the “basket” that hides our light
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what covers your light. It may be:
Response:
Example prayer: “Lord, I renounce the fear of man. I choose the fear of the Lord. I refuse to hide the hope that is in me.”
Remember: No one lights a lamp and then hides it. If God has lit your life with His salvation and Spirit, He did it so that you might shine.
### 3. Third, we must pursue “beautiful works” that reflect the Father
Shining is not only about what we say, but also about what we do.
Ask: “Lord, what good works have You prepared for me to walk in today?” (Ephesians 2:10)
Some examples:
Measure your actions by Matthew 5:16:
You will find that when you consciously aim at the glory of the Father, the Holy Spirit gives you wisdom and power for specific actions.
### 4. Fourth, we must cultivate a “whatever you do” lifestyle
Colossians 3:17 extend shining to everything—“whatever you do, in word or deed.”
This means:
This is how light fills every room of your “house.” There is no secular/spiritual divide for a child of light. All of life becomes a platform for His glory.
---
### Proclamation of Faith
Say this aloud, thoughtfully and deliberately:
> In the name of Jesus, I proclaim:
>
> I was once darkness, but now I am light in the Lord.
> Jesus said, “You are the light of the world,” and I receive that as truth about my life.
> I am a lamp set on a stand, not hidden under a basket.
> I refuse fear, shame, and compromise.
> I choose to let my light shine before others,
> that they may see the good works God has prepared for me
> and glorify my Father who is in heaven.
>
> Whatever I do, in word or in deed,
> I do it in the name of the Lord Jesus,
> giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
> I live as a child of light—
> bearing the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth,
> seeking what pleases the Lord.
>
> Every act of love, every word of grace in my life
> is a spark in the night, leading people to the face of Jesus.
> I shine, and I will not hold back.
> Let all the glory fall on Him, not on me.
> The Father who sees in secret will receive all the praise,
> as lives are changed by His light in my ways.
> Amen.
### Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus,
I thank You that You have called me out of darkness into Your marvelous light.
Forgive me for every way I have hidden, dimmed, or covered the light of Christ in me.
By the power of Your Holy Spirit, remove every basket of fear, shame, pride, and compromise.
Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world.
Shine in me and shine through me.
Let my life—my words, my deeds, my attitudes—
be a clear testimony that causes people to glorify my Father in heaven.
Holy Spirit, teach me what pleases the Lord.
Fill me with goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Lead me into the good works the Father has prepared for me.
Let every act of love, every word of grace,
become a spark that pierces the darkness around me.
I offer myself to You as a vessel of light.
Use me in my home, my work, my relationships, my community,
that the name of Jesus may be honored,
and that many may turn from darkness to light
and from the power of Satan to God.
I ask this in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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