May 20, 2026
A Light That Cannot Be Hidden
KENDALL MARIAH
Lee en español
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NRSVUE)
My favorite memory of the song “This Little Light of Mine” comes from the darkroom at my dad’s photography studio. I loved “helping” him develop the film as a child, but the darkness made me uneasy. So we would sing together: “You Are My Sunshine,” “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” and of course “This Little Light of Mine.”
“Hide it under a bushel?”
“No! I’m gonna let it shine.”
Like most kids, my favorite part of the song was yelling, “No!” It was loud, defiant, and bold — which felt slightly rebellious for a church song but safe and empowering when I sang it beside my dad in the dark.
Years later, Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16 feel like the grown-up version of that song:
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (NRSVUE).
Not “you might be a light.”
Not “you need to try to be a light.”
“You are the light of the world.”
Jesus speaks of light not as something we manufacture through effort or perfection but as an identity placed within us by God Himself. The instruction is not for us to create light but to let it shine.
And yet … hiding often feels safer.
I don’t think most of us cover our light because we’re outright ashamed to follow Jesus. More often we do it quietly and unintentionally — when speaking up feels risky, when compassion feels costly, when standing apart feels lonely, when obedience feels inconvenient.
We dim to keep the peace or to keep from rocking the boat.
We shrink to avoid criticism.
We tuck our faith into private spaces where it won’t disrupt anything.
But Jesus’ imagery leaves little room for concealed discipleship: “A city built on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14b, NRSVUE). That kind of shining is not always comfortable. It exposes injustice, disrupts apathy, invites attention, and requires courage.
It’s much easier for children to shout “no” than it is for adults to resist the urge to protect ourselves by dimming what God has placed inside us. I have felt that pull myself — the temptation to stay quiet, small, and safe.
But the command still stands: “Let your light shine …” (Matthew 5:16).
Not so people will admire you.
Not so you can prove something.
But so others can see your faith lived out and glorify your Father in heaven.
Lord, my light is not fragile or accidental. It’s a gift meant to bring hope into dark places. May I steward it faithfully. Give me the courage not to dim myself for my own comfort or others’. Help me to love boldly, speak truth compassionately, and live faithfully even when it’s costly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
If you’ve ever wrestled with hard questions, seasons of doubt, or the tension between faith and real life, Kendall Mariah’s book, This Little Fire of Mine, offers an honest and hope-filled exploration of resilient faith. With raw storytelling and biblical reflection, it invites readers to bring their whole selves to God — questions, struggles, and all. You can learn more or grab a copy here: This Little Fire of Mine: How Flickers of Doubt Can Spark a Bolder, Brighter Faith.
ENGAGE
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Enter to WIN your very own copy of This Little Fire of Mine by Kendall Mariah. To celebrate this book, Kendall’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Tuesday, May 26, 2026.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Ephesians 5:8, “for once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light …” (NRSVUE).
Where do you feel most tempted to shrink back or stay silent, and what would courageous faith look like in that area of your life this week?
What is one simple way you can shine hope, kindness, or truth into a difficult space around you today? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Kendall Mariah. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
