Shine Your Light
By Rev. Heidi L. Barham | February 8, 2026
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Read Matthew 5:13 – 20 (NIV)
Today is Scout Sunday which is the time when we have the opportunity to shine a light on our scouts and their leaders as well as their families as we pause to recognize what a valuable organization the Scouts has been and continues to be... and what a blessing it has been for our church to be able to support Troop 193 in their endeavors.
Now, as we think about what it means for us to be the church and what it means for us to be in ministry together with one another... I think it is fair to say that our partnership with Troop 193 is truly a shining example.
And that is why for our time together this morning, I want to invite us to pay close attention to verses 13 – 16 of the text as we think on the subject:
SHINE YOUR LIGHT.
One of the elders from Bethany loves to sing the song, This Little Light of Mine... and whenever I hear that song... I can’t help but think about him. It is a fairly simple song that I imagine many of us have heard and may have even sung a time or two in our lives.
The lyrics simply say:
Read Matthew 5:13 – 20 (NIV)
Today is Scout Sunday which is the time when we have the opportunity to shine a light on our scouts and their leaders as well as their families as we pause to recognize what a valuable organization the Scouts has been and continues to be... and what a blessing it has been for our church to be able to support Troop 193 in their endeavors.
Now, as we think about what it means for us to be the church and what it means for us to be in ministry together with one another... I think it is fair to say that our partnership with Troop 193 is truly a shining example.
And that is why for our time together this morning, I want to invite us to pay close attention to verses 13 – 16 of the text as we think on the subject:
SHINE YOUR LIGHT.
One of the elders from Bethany loves to sing the song, This Little Light of Mine... and whenever I hear that song... I can’t help but think about him. It is a fairly simple song that I imagine many of us have heard and may have even sung a time or two in our lives.
The lyrics simply say:
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
And there is also a verse of the song that says:
Hide it under a bushel, no!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel, no!
I'm gonna let it shine,
Hide it under a bushel, no!
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine
Now, I don’t think I am going too far out on a limb in saying this verse in particular was likely inspired by our text... and depending on which version of the Bible you may be looking at, this passage in the Gospel of Matthew may come under the heading, “Salt and Light.”
These selected verses seem particularly fitting as we think about, not only what Scouts are called to do... but also what Christians, in general, are called to do.
We are ALL called to be salt and light in the world.
Listen to the first verse of our text again... this time as it is found in the Message Paraphrase:
These selected verses seem particularly fitting as we think about, not only what Scouts are called to do... but also what Christians, in general, are called to do.
We are ALL called to be salt and light in the world.
Listen to the first verse of our text again... this time as it is found in the Message Paraphrase:
Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
The difference between a dish that is delectable and one that is detestable is often the way it is seasoned. Think about it... have you ever had a meal where the cook used absolutely no seasonings at all?
The first word that comes to mind is B-L-A-N-D… and the second word that comes to mind also starts with a “b” – and that word is boring…
Now, one of the things that a good chef will tell you is that, over time, seasonings will start to lose their potency and ability to add flavor to whatever dish you are preparing.
That is why, every so often, any chef that is worth their salt will go through their spice rack and clear out the old bottles and jars... because if the seasonings have lost their flavor... the dish could potentially be just as bland and boring as if they had used no seasoning at all.
But what does it mean for us as Christians to be “the salt of the earth?”
It means that in the same way seasonings can bring out the flavor in a dish, we should be making a positive impact on the world around us. We should not blend in so much with the world that no one can tell that we are there... as though we have lost our “flavor.” Our presence ought to “spice things up” in a good way... bringing out the best in the people and places around us.
But salt can actually be used for more than just flavoring food. Living here in Northeastern Ohio, we are all very aware of the fact that salt can be used for melting snow and ice to help keep us safe...
Although this winter there have been times when it has been more than a little challenging to find salt in some stores.
Now, salt can also be used as a preservative. Back in biblical days, it was often used to help keep food from spoiling... and it is not uncommon for it to still be used in this way today.
So, in a sense, being the salt of the earth means that we are called to help protect others from the dangers of this world... from becoming spoiled by the world around them.
And being the salt of the earth also means that wherever we are... people should be able to tell that there is something different about us... something that sets us apart from the rest of the crowd.
There is something inside of us that makes us stand out from the rest of world. And just what is that “something” that people ought to be able to sense that sets us apart from everybody else?
Simply put, it is the Light of Christ shining in us... which is what we find as we look at the next verses of the text, reading again from the Message Paraphrase:
The first word that comes to mind is B-L-A-N-D… and the second word that comes to mind also starts with a “b” – and that word is boring…
Now, one of the things that a good chef will tell you is that, over time, seasonings will start to lose their potency and ability to add flavor to whatever dish you are preparing.
That is why, every so often, any chef that is worth their salt will go through their spice rack and clear out the old bottles and jars... because if the seasonings have lost their flavor... the dish could potentially be just as bland and boring as if they had used no seasoning at all.
But what does it mean for us as Christians to be “the salt of the earth?”
It means that in the same way seasonings can bring out the flavor in a dish, we should be making a positive impact on the world around us. We should not blend in so much with the world that no one can tell that we are there... as though we have lost our “flavor.” Our presence ought to “spice things up” in a good way... bringing out the best in the people and places around us.
But salt can actually be used for more than just flavoring food. Living here in Northeastern Ohio, we are all very aware of the fact that salt can be used for melting snow and ice to help keep us safe...
Although this winter there have been times when it has been more than a little challenging to find salt in some stores.
Now, salt can also be used as a preservative. Back in biblical days, it was often used to help keep food from spoiling... and it is not uncommon for it to still be used in this way today.
So, in a sense, being the salt of the earth means that we are called to help protect others from the dangers of this world... from becoming spoiled by the world around them.
And being the salt of the earth also means that wherever we are... people should be able to tell that there is something different about us... something that sets us apart from the rest of the crowd.
There is something inside of us that makes us stand out from the rest of world. And just what is that “something” that people ought to be able to sense that sets us apart from everybody else?
Simply put, it is the Light of Christ shining in us... which is what we find as we look at the next verses of the text, reading again from the Message Paraphrase:
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
In other words... SHINE YOUR LIGHT!
When we are living our lives for Christ, there ought to be a glow that emanates from the inside out... allowing others to see the Lord shining through us. In the same way that a city on a hill spreads its light, we should be spreading light everywhere we go.
And, let me just say this... there is enough darkness in this world as it is. So, it is up to each of us to shine the light of Christ to dispel that darkness.
But how do we do that you may ask?
By being our very best selves and doing what the Lord has called us to do… which is to love one another, to forgive one another, and to care for one another.
Some of us do that by serving in the Scouts... some of us do it as we are serving in the church... and some of us do it as we find ourselves serving in various ways in our homes, our schools or on our jobs.
Now, the Apostle Paul gave these words of encouragement to the Colossians that are still just as relevant to us today:
When we are living our lives for Christ, there ought to be a glow that emanates from the inside out... allowing others to see the Lord shining through us. In the same way that a city on a hill spreads its light, we should be spreading light everywhere we go.
And, let me just say this... there is enough darkness in this world as it is. So, it is up to each of us to shine the light of Christ to dispel that darkness.
But how do we do that you may ask?
By being our very best selves and doing what the Lord has called us to do… which is to love one another, to forgive one another, and to care for one another.
Some of us do that by serving in the Scouts... some of us do it as we are serving in the church... and some of us do it as we find ourselves serving in various ways in our homes, our schools or on our jobs.
Now, the Apostle Paul gave these words of encouragement to the Colossians that are still just as relevant to us today:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
(Colossians 3:23 – 24).
These words are a direct reflection of what Jesus said to the disciples after telling them about the day when the Son of Man would come and separate people in the same way a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Jesus told them:
These words are a direct reflection of what Jesus said to the disciples after telling them about the day when the Son of Man would come and separate people in the same way a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Jesus told them:
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
And when they asked the King to explain when they had done all these things, He replied, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:34 – 36, 40).
All the things that we do to be of service to others are really opportunities for us to serve the Lord... so that others will see God working in their lives through us.
None of the things that we do should be done just for us to receive accolades and awards... although I realize that Scouts do work hard to earn their merit badges.
But as nice as it is to be recognized for the things that we do... for the service that we render to others... even if we never gain any recognition for the good that we do... we should still do it anyhow.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about us being honored... the glory truly belongs to God and God alone.
As nice as it is to get a certificate, or a plaque, or a ribbon or a badge... there is something even more fulfilling that comes from hearing someone say, “God sent you here to me today... at just the right moment…”
We should never be afraid or hesitate to let God use us to be a blessing to someone else. And let me just add... we should never sell ourselves short by thinking that God cannot or will not use any one of us for His glory.
Throughout the scriptures we find story after story about God using some of the most unlikely and ordinary people to do some truly extraordinary things.
For example, God used a prostitute named Rahab to provide shelter and safety for two Israelite spies. Essentially, she was a woman who lived on the edge of society... but she did not let fear affect her faith in God’s ability to deliver her.
And because of her faithfulness, God provided safety for her and her family – a family which would go on to include a son named Boaz... who would marry a woman named Ruth... who would have a son named Obed... who would have a son named Jesse... who would have a son named David… and it is from that lineage... descended from a prostitute... that our Savior, Jesus, would come.
While most people would have written off someone like Rahab... God looked past her profession and saw only her faith. And that is the same thing God does for us... He looks past our mistakes and our mishaps and He sees our faith... even when it may still be as small as a mustard seed.
Now, Rahab was not the only person with a shady background that God was able to use for His glory.
We cannot forget about Moses who had an anger management problem that led to him killing a man... and yet, God used him to confront Pharaoh which in turn led to the children of Israel finally being set free.
But that wasn’t all... God also inspired Moses to write what is known as the Pentateuch or the Torah... which is the first five books of the Old Testament – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Now, let us not forget about a man named David who was not only a great king... he was also an adulterer who actually had a man killed in order to cover up his affair. And yet, he will forever be known as “a man after [God’s] own heart” (see 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) ... and he is also the one credited with writing almost half of the 150 Psalms that continue to provide guidance for our spiritual journey.
And let’s talk about Paul... the man originally known as Saul, the chief persecutor of Christians... he had a truly dramatic conversion which resulted in him going on three missionary journeys and establishing many churches... and on top of all that, he became one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament.
There are many more examples that could be cited, but these are just a few that should help us see that any and all of us can be used by God... in spite of our flaws, our faults, and our failures. There is absolutely no reason for any of us not to let our “light shine before others, that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven.”
And so, let me ask this... are you willing to SHINE YOUR LIGHT in order to point the way to Jesus?
Are you willing to SHINE YOUR LIGHT by being Jesus’ hands and feet of compassion here on earth... serving others so that they can see the light of Christ shining through you?
Are you willing to step out into this dark and dying world and SHINE YOUR LIGHT by being a living witness to the fact that we serve a living Savior who is Christ the Lord?
I hope the answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes...
because when we are intentional about shining our light... it creates the opportunity for others to open their eyes so they can see the Light of Christ.
And it is with that thought in mind that I want to invite you to stand now and SHINE YOUR LIGHT as we sing our Hymn of Discipleship: Open My Eyes #586.
Back
All the things that we do to be of service to others are really opportunities for us to serve the Lord... so that others will see God working in their lives through us.
None of the things that we do should be done just for us to receive accolades and awards... although I realize that Scouts do work hard to earn their merit badges.
But as nice as it is to be recognized for the things that we do... for the service that we render to others... even if we never gain any recognition for the good that we do... we should still do it anyhow.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about us being honored... the glory truly belongs to God and God alone.
As nice as it is to get a certificate, or a plaque, or a ribbon or a badge... there is something even more fulfilling that comes from hearing someone say, “God sent you here to me today... at just the right moment…”
We should never be afraid or hesitate to let God use us to be a blessing to someone else. And let me just add... we should never sell ourselves short by thinking that God cannot or will not use any one of us for His glory.
Throughout the scriptures we find story after story about God using some of the most unlikely and ordinary people to do some truly extraordinary things.
For example, God used a prostitute named Rahab to provide shelter and safety for two Israelite spies. Essentially, she was a woman who lived on the edge of society... but she did not let fear affect her faith in God’s ability to deliver her.
And because of her faithfulness, God provided safety for her and her family – a family which would go on to include a son named Boaz... who would marry a woman named Ruth... who would have a son named Obed... who would have a son named Jesse... who would have a son named David… and it is from that lineage... descended from a prostitute... that our Savior, Jesus, would come.
While most people would have written off someone like Rahab... God looked past her profession and saw only her faith. And that is the same thing God does for us... He looks past our mistakes and our mishaps and He sees our faith... even when it may still be as small as a mustard seed.
Now, Rahab was not the only person with a shady background that God was able to use for His glory.
We cannot forget about Moses who had an anger management problem that led to him killing a man... and yet, God used him to confront Pharaoh which in turn led to the children of Israel finally being set free.
But that wasn’t all... God also inspired Moses to write what is known as the Pentateuch or the Torah... which is the first five books of the Old Testament – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Now, let us not forget about a man named David who was not only a great king... he was also an adulterer who actually had a man killed in order to cover up his affair. And yet, he will forever be known as “a man after [God’s] own heart” (see 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) ... and he is also the one credited with writing almost half of the 150 Psalms that continue to provide guidance for our spiritual journey.
And let’s talk about Paul... the man originally known as Saul, the chief persecutor of Christians... he had a truly dramatic conversion which resulted in him going on three missionary journeys and establishing many churches... and on top of all that, he became one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament.
There are many more examples that could be cited, but these are just a few that should help us see that any and all of us can be used by God... in spite of our flaws, our faults, and our failures. There is absolutely no reason for any of us not to let our “light shine before others, that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven.”
And so, let me ask this... are you willing to SHINE YOUR LIGHT in order to point the way to Jesus?
Are you willing to SHINE YOUR LIGHT by being Jesus’ hands and feet of compassion here on earth... serving others so that they can see the light of Christ shining through you?
Are you willing to step out into this dark and dying world and SHINE YOUR LIGHT by being a living witness to the fact that we serve a living Savior who is Christ the Lord?
I hope the answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes...
because when we are intentional about shining our light... it creates the opportunity for others to open their eyes so they can see the Light of Christ.
And it is with that thought in mind that I want to invite you to stand now and SHINE YOUR LIGHT as we sing our Hymn of Discipleship: Open My Eyes #586.
