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The Daily Devotional
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Unhidden Light: The City on a Hill
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but 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.” — Matthew 5:14–16
Introduction
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to a crowd of ordinary people—fishermen, farmers, and laborers—and offers them a radical new identity. He does not say, "Try to become the light," or "One day, if you work hard enough, you might sparkle." Instead, he states a plain fact: "You are the light of the world."
This passage reminds us that our spiritual vitality is not a private treasure to be hoarded or a secret to be kept. Just as a city situated on a high hill is visible for miles around, our lives are meant to be visible evidence of God’s love. The question is not whether we have light, but what we are choosing to do with it.
Reflection
Light is a fascinating thing because its primary purpose is never for itself; its purpose is always for the benefit of others.
Consider a massive power outage in a neighborhood during a storm. The moment the house goes pitch black, your instinct is to find a flashlight or a lantern. Once you turn it on, what is the first thing you do? You don’t shove it inside a drawer or cover it with a blanket. That would be absurd. Instead, you set it on the highest shelf or the mantlepiece. Why? Because from that vantage point, a single beam can push back the darkness for everyone in the room. It allows your family to move without stumbling, to find what they need, and to feel safe.
Jesus uses the image of a "bushel basket"—a common household container—to illustrate how we often dim our own impact. We hide our light under the baskets of fear (what will people think?), apathy (it’s too much effort), or conformity (I don't want to stand out).
However, the text says that when the lamp is on the stand, it "gives light to all in the house." Your light—manifested through kindness, integrity, and compassion—is not about showing off. It is about functionality. When you live authentically and generously, you make the room brighter for your coworkers, your neighbors, and your family. You make it easier for them to see God’s goodness without stumbling in the dark.
Application
Today, challenge yourself to lift the "bushel basket" off your life in one specific way. Light is often most visible in small, practical actions rather than grand gestures.
At Work: If the office culture is negative or gossipy, be the light by refusing to participate and instead offering a word of encouragement to a stressed colleague.
In Public: If a service worker is having a hard day, be the light by offering patience, a smile, and genuine gratitude.
At Home: If there is tension, be the light by being the first to apologize or the first to serve.
Ask yourself: Who in my "house" (my immediate circle) needs a little extra light today, and how can my actions provide it?
Conclusion
Being "salt and light" isn't about being perfect or loud; it is about being present and visible. When we stop hiding our faith and our goodness, we naturally illuminate the world around us. We don't shine so that people look at us; we shine so that, by our light, people can see the path to God clearly.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank You for sparking a light within me that darkness cannot overcome. Forgive me for the times I have hidden that light out of fear or convenience. Today, give me the courage to be a city on a hill—visible, welcoming, and unashamed. Help me to live in such a way that my actions bring warmth to those around me and point them back to Your incredible love. May my life be a lampstand that benefits everyone in the house. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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