In the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, chapter five, Jesus begins His magnificent “Sermon on the Mount.”

Early in His message He challenges His followers or disciples to be “light in a world of much darkness.” He said, “You are the light of the world,” and “let your light shine” to bring guidance and direction to others. He commanded us to be a reflection of His light. Others are to see not the lamp but the shining of His light, and give God the praise.

As one person said about another, “She lets her light shine without putting the spotlight on herself.” A light is first and foremost something which is meant to be seen. It is not to be “hidden under a bushel.” Someone has said, “There can be no such thing as secret discipleship, for either the secrecy destroys the discipleship, or the discipleship destroys the secrecy.”

William Barclay put it another way, “Jesus did not say, ‘You are the light of the church,’ He said, ‘You are the light of the world.’ It is in the world that the light of our faith should be evident to all.”

William D. Calvert comments on this verse. He describes the modern hypocrites not as the people who go around wearing a cloak of piety, but the ones who pretend to be worse than they really are. These people will not publicly acknowledge the ideals which they secretly cherish in their souls. The Christian convictions are there, but they are never defended before others. There is still light in their hearts, but it is “hidden under a bushel.”

Remember we are to be a guiding light. There are people in this world who do not have the moral strength and courage to take a stand by themselves, but if someone gives them a lead — a light — they will follow. If they have someone strong enough to lean on, they will do the right thing.

This world needs many more guiding lights. As the familiar little chorus says, “This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.”

Thomas S. Kepler in his book, “A Spiritual Jounrey with Paul,” tells the story of a traveller who was ill in his ship cabin one evening on his way to India. He heard the cry “Man overboard!”

Not able to go on deck to help, he asked himself, “What can I do?” Instantly, he took his cabin light and held it near the porthole, so that it might shine on the sea. In half a minute's time he heard the joyful cry, “It's all right. He’s safe.” The next day he was told that his little lamp helped save the man's life.

The shining light helped those on deck to know where to throw the knotted rope. Is your light a guiding light?

Dr. Curtis Coleman is emeritus dean and professor of religion and philosophy at Athens State University.