Becoming Everyday Luminaries

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

About ten years ago, when Colin was 11, I joined him on a Boy Scout trip to tour a cave and spend the night in it. The adventure began with a typical walking tour, but soon we were told we’d be entering a section called The Wild Tour. To take part, each of us had to crawl through a small wooden frame to prove we could fit through the narrow spaces ahead.

We were given hard hats with headlamps since this part of the cave had no light at all. The tour quickly became intense. We crawled through tight passages, sometimes on our knees, other times on our stomachs, with barely any room to move. It was challenging, to say the least.

About halfway through, we reached a large open chamber where we could sit, catch our breath, and reflect on the journey so far. That’s when our guide asked us to turn off our headlamps. As soon as we did, we were plunged into complete darkness — the kind of darkness where you literally can’t see your hand in front of your face. I had never experienced anything like it before, and haven’t since. It was disorienting, even a little scary.

After a few moments, the guide turned on his headlamp. Just that one light changed everything; we could see again. Then he told the rest of us to switch ours back on. When we did, the entire space lit up. It was amazing how much brighter the cave became with all our lights combined.

We live in a dark and broken world. We are confronted daily with this reality, from headlines filled with violence, injustice, and division to the quieter personal struggles like anxiety, loneliness, and temptation. Darkness isn’t just ‘out there’. It can easily and often creep into our own hearts, taking on the form of pain, fear, emptiness, destructive habits, selfishness, and hard-heartedness toward God, to name a few. It isolates, destroys, and blinds us to truth, leaving us wandering without purpose or hope.

And yet, God doesn’t leave us in that darkness. As our key verse reminds us, Jesus is the light of the world. He came to rescue us. We no longer have to walk in darkness because His presence exposes the darkness, revealing truth. When we step out of darkness and into His light, we move from death to life. His light offers healing, hope, guidance, clarity, community, and so many other things. Keep in mind that Jesus doesn’t simply shine light on our path — He is the path. He doesn’t just help us see the truth — He is the Truth. 

We are to carry His light with us. He calls us to be luminaries to those around us. We have a responsibility: to keep that light burning bright by walking closely with Him and intentionally carrying His presence wherever we go, in tangible ways —  the way we act, the words we speak, how we forgive, and the love we show to others.

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.’ Philippians 2:15 reads, ‘among whom you shine like stars in the world.’ These verses call us to live in a way that stands out, as we reflect God’s love and truth. The key is to stay close to Jesus. When we do, we gain clarity. His words illuminate our path. His presence drives out fear. His truth exposes lies. In Him, we find our way — not just to survive, but to live abundantly.

Just like in a cave with no natural light, this world can feel scary and overwhelming in its darkness. But Jesus shines — not dimly, not occasionally, but powerfully and consistently. As followers of His, we have the joy and calling to reflect that light — at home, at work, in our communities, and even in our quiet, everyday moments. Will you step up and be a luminary?

Call to Action

What darkness are you experiencing in your life today? Take a moment to turn this over to the Lord. 

What steps will you take this week to remain close to the Lord?

What’s one area of your life where you want to shine more brightly for God? 

Think of 2-3 actions that could make you a light to others (e.g., a word of encouragement, being kind even when others aren’t, showing grace and forgiveness, standing up for what’s right, sharing your faith, being honest) and then commit to doing these things. 

Digging Deeper

Read these additional verses: Psalm 27:1, Psalm 119:105, Matthew 5:14-16, John 1:5-9, John 9:5, 1 Peter 2:9,1 John 1:5.

Prayer

Jesus, Light of the world, shine into the dark places of my life. Help me to follow You more closely today, trusting that Your light will guide my every step. Lead me to carry Your light into a dark and broken world desperately in need of rescue. Amen.