It’s Time to Shine

DCC Devotionals: It’s Time to Shine
by Don Vess

Anchor Verse

Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT)
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

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Devotional Thought

We were never meant to blend into the darkness of the world—we were called to shine in the middle of it.

Jesus calls us “the light of the world,” not as a suggestion but as a declaration of our identity. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, neither can the light of Christ that lives within us. But the way we shine isn’t through loudness, superiority, or perfection—it’s through love, forgiveness, and a life transformed by the power of God’s Word.

Darkness is increasing in the world, but so is opportunity. Paul said in Ephesians 5:15–16, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” That’s not a call to retreat. It’s a call to rise, to live wisely, and to walk in the Spirit.

God’s Word is a light to our path and a sword in our hand. When we align our thoughts and actions with His truth, we become beacons of hope, direction, and clarity to those around us.

But the real test of our light is in how we treat others—especially fellow believers. 1 John 2:9 says that anyone who claims to live in the light but hates a fellow believer is still in darkness. If there’s a relationship in your life clouded by offense or unforgiveness, Jesus gives a clear directive: “Make it right.”

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Personal Reflection
•Are there places in your life where you’ve hidden your light out of fear, offense, or apathy?
•Is there someone you need to forgive so your light can shine without a shadow?
•Are your actions drawing others to glorify God or simply drawing attention to yourself?

Remember, it’s not your talent or status that proves you’re a disciple of Jesus—it’s your love. As John 13:35 says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.”

Now is not the time to shrink back—it’s time to shine.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for calling me to be light in a world full of darkness. Help me not to hide what You’ve placed in me. Show me areas where I need to forgive and relationships that need restoration. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can walk in wisdom, truth, and love. Let my life reflect Your light in a way that draws others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.