Let Your Light Shine: Understanding Matthew 5:14-16 and Walking in Your Purpose
What Does It Mean to Let Your Light Shine?
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
It took me 16 years to fully understand this scripture. Sixteen years to grasp what it truly means to be the light of the world. Why? Because there is a time and season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Maybe God knew I needed to walk through trials, detours, and victories before I could truly comprehend and apply this message to my life.
I say 16 years because that’s how long I’ve been in the body of Christ—since I made a willful and independent decision to follow Jesus. At 16, I encountered God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in a way that forever changed me. At that moment, I knew the Lord held the answers to my struggles.
“Many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 22:14
I answered that call, but my journey wasn’t perfect. I drifted. I strayed. I searched for identity in places outside of God—at one point, I was in a same-sex relationship, and later, I explored Islam. Looking back, I recognize that I was navigating deep layers of trauma and seeking truth through experiences that didn’t ultimately align with the spiritual clarity I have now.
And yet, even in my rebellion, God never abandoned me.
God Never Gives Up on Us—Even When We Stray
One of the most powerful revelations I’ve had in the last two years is this:
God never switched up on me.
Even when I walked away, He covered me. Even when I betrayed Him, He never forgot me. Yes, I’ve faced the consequences of my sins—hardship, heartbreak, and seasons of loss. But I’ve also experienced miracle after miracle, undeniable proof that my success and survival are a testimony of God’s grace.
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve gone too far, like you’ve made too many mistakes, I’m here to tell you God still sees you.
He still calls you.
"God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called." – 1 Corinthians 1:27
When we say yes to Him, He transforms us, refines us, and positions us for greater purpose.
Stepping Into God-Fidence: Confidence Rooted in Christ
The realization of God’s unwavering love has given me something even deeper than self-confidence—it’s given me God-fidence.
I have always been aware that I am visually stunning (and yes, I can say that with confidence now!). But growing up, I saw how colorism influenced how people treated me. Being lighter-skinned and Black, I noticed the different reactions I received.
For years, I tried to take up less space to make others more comfortable. I dimmed my light because I didn’t want people to feel insecure around me. But when I revisited Matthew 5:14-16, I realized that was never God’s plan.
“A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Even if I wanted to shrink, I couldn’t. I was never meant to hide—and neither are you.
Stop Dimming Your Light—You Were Created to Shine
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." – Matthew 5:15
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." – Matthew 5:15
This verse set me free.
It reminded me that we were never meant to minimize ourselves for the sake of others. God gave us gifts, talents, beauty, influence, and favor—not for us to shrink, but to let His light shine through us.
And then comes Matthew 5:16, which ties everything together:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
My light isn’t just for me. It’s a testimony of God’s grace, a beacon that points back to Him.
So if you’ve ever felt like you need to downplay your blessings, if you’ve ever shrank yourself because of others’ opinions—stop.
God called you to be a light. Shine unapologetically.
How to Walk in Your Light Every Day
Own Your Calling – God created you to stand out, not blend in. Trust His plan.
Stay Rooted in the Word – Let scripture guide your confidence, not people’s opinions.
Embrace Your God-Given Favor – Your beauty, influence, and blessings are not by accident.
Stop Shrinking Yourself – The right people will celebrate your light. The wrong ones will be convicted by it.
Give Glory to God – Every blessing, every success, every breakthrough should point back to Him.
Final Thoughts: You Are a City on a Hill
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."
If God has placed you in a position of influence, if He has given you gifts and favor, it is not for you to hide.
Let your light shine.
Not for your glory—but for His.
What About You?
Has there ever been a time when you felt like shrinking yourself? How did God remind you of your light?
And if this message blessed you, share it with someone who needs the reminder. 💡✨
