On Letting Your Light Out

“Your are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a stand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:14-16 CEV

Let Your Light OutThis is a memorable passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. If you’re like me, I was raised in church and encouraged to hold up my index finger and sing with gusto, “Hide it under a bushel, no, I’m gonna let it shine.” It’s an obvious fact that light cannot do much good if it’s hidden under something. What may not be as apparent are the lengths to which we go to hide the light. You could join me in singing, “Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine,” but at the same time recall and regret the ways we’ve concealed that light.

Letting your light out is like “singing your song”. God has gifted us and granted each of us that unique opportunity. As a songwriter and worship leader I can relate to such a challenge. Being inspired to create music is one way I can shine and hopefully spread some light in the direction of someone else. I shouldn’t allow any reluctance to share that part of me or fears of it being accepted to discourage me. The clay pot Jesus uses as a visual aid could readily be labeled with words describing the reasons why we cover up our light.

One more thing I notice in this passage is the phrase, “and will praise your Father in heaven.” Letting your light shine out leads to worship. Why would any of us want to deny others and ourselves the opportunity to bring worship to God?


In addition to the themed worship songs offered on this site, I am also highlighting 2 of my earlier albums of mostly original songs. There just might be a song or two that makes a connection with you and encourages you in your walk with God.

(Check out my STORE for “My Best Days” and “Gratitude”.)

Scott Willis: Gratitude
Scott Willis: My Best Days
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