Our text is Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Do you remember how in school you used to dread test taking, especially math tests? The anxiety stems not just from getting the right answer, but from the teacher telling you to “show your work.” Those three little words changed everything and made the test so much harder.
Without those three words, you might guess the right answer. While guessing may get you credit on a test, showing work demonstrates a real understanding that will help with future problems. Math is about developing transferable problem-solving skills, not just arriving at one-off answers. As we get older, we recognize the value in teachers pushing us to lay out our step-by-step reasoning.
Life constantly presents new problems to solve: finding a job, nurturing relationships, pursuing growth, completing daily tasks, and more. Those who thrive in life are those who are prepared with the skills to work through life’s constant challenges. Whether learning from parents, friends, teachers, or mentors, people want to see our work because the goal is learning a lifelong skill, not just a single correct response.
Next time you face a test, remember it’s practice for the never-ending problems of life.
This is why Jesus told us to, “Let your light so shine.” It is not about showing off, but about letting others see the process of solving problems in life, especially how to live a Christian life.
Lonnie Davis