I love lighthouses. There is just something special about them to me. I love to photograph them, especially at dusk or dawn.

What’s interesting to me about lighthouses is that although they are often architecturally very plain, and there is usually nothing special about their location or setting, they serve an incredibly vital purpose. I guess you could say that they are humble. They're not trying to show off. They're not standing there on the rocky coast saying, "Hey, everybody, look at me!" They're just doing their job – cutting through the darkness, warning ships away from danger, and guiding them safely to harbor.

That's what Jesus had in mind when he told his disciples to let their light shine.

Right before this verse, Jesus calls his followers "the light of the world." Not "a" light – "the" light. That's a pretty big responsibility. But then he gives this simple instruction: just let your light shine. Don't hide it under a basket. Don't dim it down because you're worried what people might think. Just let it do what light naturally does.

We overcomplicate this sometimes. We hear "let your light shine" and immediately start worrying about whether we're spiritual enough, or whether people will think we're being preachy, or whether we even have a light worth shining in the first place.

But here's the thing – your light isn't your perfection. It's not your theology degree or your ability to quote scripture. Your light is simply love in action. It's holding the door for someone whose hands are full. It's showing up with a casserole when your neighbor's going through chemo. It's treating the server at the restaurant like a human being, rather than a machine.

Jesus says when we do these things, people see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Notice he doesn't say they'll glorify us. They'll see past our imperfect, bumbling selves and catch a glimpse of something bigger—something divine.

That's the paradox of Christian living. The more authentically we serve others, the less it becomes about us and the more it points to God. Like that lighthouse, we're not trying to draw attention to ourselves. We're trying to help people navigate safely through whatever storm they're facing.

And do you know what’s interesting? Jesus assumes we already have this light. He doesn't say, "If you get your act together, maybe you can shine someday." He says, "Let your light shine." It's already there. God's already put it in you. The question isn't whether you have light to offer the world. The question is whether you're going to let it out or not.

So today, look for simple ways to shine. Smile at the person pumping gas next to you. Text a friend who's been on your mind. Leave an encouraging note for someone who needs it. Be generous with your patience, your time, and your attention.

Because in a world that can feel pretty dark sometimes, people are looking for lighthouses. They're looking for someone who points them toward hope, toward love, toward home.

Father, thank you for placing your light within us. Give us the courage to let it shine naturally and authentically, so others might find their way to you. Amen.

This devotional was written and ready by Cliff McCartney.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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