Everyone talks about BEING the light. But here’s the thing: that job is already taken. Jesus is already the light.
It’s not our job to create some phosphorus substance so that we can glow.
It’s not like we’re glow sticks and we have to rush around to get the good stuff inside of us so that we’ll shine bright when God snaps us in half.
It’s more like we’re a lantern. And after we accept Jesus, a flame comes inside of us.
The Holy Spirit.
If you are a child of God, there IS light inside of you. It’s not like you have to create the light, the light already is there.
There can be more light. You can fill your life with light. But it’s not like you’re in the pitch dark and you need to strike a match.
Jesus is already there.
You are not the light, you are the lantern.
So we’re the lantern, and the light is inside of us…now what do we do?
We can clean the glass of the lantern.
We can open the little chimney part of the lantern so that more oxygen gets inside and the flame can grow inside of us.
We can use the right fuel.
But when God says we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16), I am pretty certain that he’s saying that we’re the light because of him inside of us, not because of us on our own.
That’s why I like this image of us as a lantern…a glow stick without the liquid is hard to imagine. But a lantern without a burning flame? I think we’ve all seen that.
A lantern is created to carry light. And when it’s unlit, it’s not fulfilling its purpose, but it’s still recognizable as a lantern.
#1 – Turn Shame into Gratitude
When we’re convicted of sin, shame starts spiraling in our head.
I’ll rehearse over and over how bad I am and the shame just grows.
But lately I’ve learned that instead of being angry at myself, I can be grateful that God showed me a better way.
That turns my shame into gratitude and my focus back to the LIGHT.
P.S. “Cleaning the lantern” is like repenting of our sin.
#2 – Study the Word
God’s word is amazing.
Right now, I’m memorizing two verses and (kinda haphazardly) reading every day. I plan to set a Bible reading goal for the year, so that I don’t stagnate.
I’d encourage you to start a Bible reading plan or goal if you don’t have one already. Or if you got one for the New Year, whether you’re behind or on track, today is a good day to read the Bible.
P.S. “Letting more air into the lantern” is like inviting God’s presence.
#3 – Work from a Place of Rest
I don’t think God designed us to burn out.
Especially not when he’s the one providing the light.
If you think about it, shouldn’t it be impossible to burn out if God is the provider of the light?
We have to rely on his power, not our own. When I talk about filling your life with light, I mention practical steps like downloading a playlist with songs to make you smile or choosing to read books that focus on the light.
But it’s better for you to lean on God’s power and never take those steps than to work really hard to do those steps all on your own.
The point of filling your life with LIGHT is to align your life with his plan.
And his plan is to be close to you!
So work from a place of rest in what he did on the cross.
P.S. “Using the right fuel in the lantern” is like drawing from God’s power instead of our own.
How are you filling your life with LIGHT in 2026? Drop a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts.