Don’t Dim Your Light A Follow-Up to “Arise, Shine for Thy Light Has Come” 

In my last blog, “Arise, Shine for Thy Light Has Come,” we talked about the moment God calls us to wake up spiritually, step out of hiding, and embrace the light He’s placed within us. However,  answering that call is only the beginning. Once you’ve stepped into the light, you must guard it because the world, and sometimes even your own fears, will try to dim it. Have you ever walked into a room and felt the sudden urge to shrink back? Maybe you thought, “I don’t want to come across too strong,” or “What if they don’t understand me?”

 Before you know it, you’re speaking softer, sharing less, and hiding the very thing that makes you unique. I’ve experienced this myself walking into meetings thinking, “I don’t belong here. My opinion doesn’t matter. No one will care about my perspective.”

In moments like that, I’ve quietly prayed: “Lord, let me speak only when You have something to say through me. Let my words be filled with wisdom and truth.” But here’s the truth: God didn’t put His light in you so you could hide it. He placed it in you so it could be seen.   You Carry Heaven’s Light Jesus said in Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV): “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a calling. Your light is not about making you look important it’s about making Jesus known.   

Dimming Your Light Silences Your Purpose Sometimes we hold back because of fear, fear of criticism, jealousy, or even spiritual attack. But when you hide the light God gave you, the people who need your encouragement, your wisdom, your testimony… may never receive it. Paul’s reminder to Timothy still speaks today in 2 Timothy 1:6–7 (NIV): “Fan into flame the gift of God… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” A flame isn’t meant to stay small it’s meant to grow, to warm, and to guide.   

Shine With Grace, Not Ego Being a light isn’t about overpowering everyone else in the room.

It’s about living in such a way that your words, actions, and attitude point back to Christ. 1 Peter 4:10–11 (NIV) tells us: “Use whatever gift you have received to serve others… so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” When you shine for Him, you give others permission to shine too.

 

4 Ways to Keep Your Light Bright  

  • Stay  connected to God daily – His Word fuels your spirit.
  • Guard your circle – Be around those who build you up in Christ.
  • Say -“yes” to His promptings – Obedience leads to greater purpose.
  • Serve  with joy – Light grows stronger when it’s shared.

Prayer

 Lord, I don’t want to hide what You’ve placed inside me. Give me courage to shine, wisdom to know when to speak, and a heart that always points people back to You. Let my life be a reflection of Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The light God placed in you was never meant to be dimmed. You’ve already arisen now keep shining.