7 Ways to Let Your Light Shine In a Dark World

Political corruption. A global pandemic. Racial unrest. Economic tension. It would be easy to fall into the pit of negativity, anger, and self-service our world seems to have crumpled into, but why? Why notchoose to be a point of brilliance in the unsettling chaos?

The cool thing is, even teens can be “the light of the world” mentioned in Matthew 5. Your age is not a limiting factor. Jesus calls you, where you’re at, right now, to let your light shine before all of mankind. So how do you do that? What does letting your light shine look like?

Let’s look at seven ways Christian teens can show God’s love to others.

How to Let Your Light Shine: Your Words

1) Be a respectful listener.

You’re probably already doing this on some level. Raising your hand instead of blurting out the answers in class is respectful listening. Not interrupting when someone is talking to you is respectful listening. I hope you are at least giving these courtesies to your parents, teachers, and friends. (If not, that’s a good place to start!)

But if you really want to let your light shine in a dark world, look at this verse:

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

Luke 6:35

Even your best friend or your unbelieving brother could be your enemy.

Are you a respectful listener—to your enemy? I’m not talking about the guy who’s trying to break into your house or the invader who wants to take over your country. (Those might be cases where listening won’t do a lick of good for either of you.)

As a Christian, an enemy is anyone hostile to God. It’s the person who doesn’t believe the things you believe, the one who challenges your moral convictions, mocks your choices, and generally rubs you the wrong way. In this sense, even your best friend or unbelieving brother could be your enemy.

Are you a respectful listener to that person?

Love your enemy. Be someone who listens to and respects others’ thoughts, even if you don’t share the same opinion or belief.

2) Ask, don’t assume.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Whenever you encounter someone with an opinion that clashes with your own, your first response is likely to make assumptions and cast judgments that place that person further from yourself. We see it every day in the world of politics and cancel culture, which essentially says, If I don’t like what you’re saying, I mute you.

But there’s a better way: Ask questions. Try to understand that person and why she holds the beliefs she has. Until you have thoroughly listened, you have no business making proclamations to or about that person. Your goal is to help her find Christ, not beat her over the head with your arguments—no matter how sound you think they may be.

3) Practice empathy.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 3:8

Most of us focus on our own problems to the point where we are certain no one else has it as bad as we do.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. If your friend just broke up with her boyfriend, you will likely spend some time commiserating with her and letting her cry on your shoulder without pushing her to “just get over it.”

That’s empathy. But most of us focus on our own problems to the point where we are certain no one else has it as bad as we do.

“You think YOU’VE got it bad? You should hear what happened to ME last week!”

To be the light of the world, widen the scope of your perspective and see where others are struggling and in need of a compassionate friend. I guarantee you are not the only one suffering, nor do you have it worse than everyone else.

Note that 1 Peter 3:8, the above verse, was directed toward believers. Here, God specifically tells believers to be united. We have the same goal, which is to love others and serve God. Let the teachings of the Bible unite you with your Christian friends, and don’t fall apart over silly things that God does not dictate through his word!

How to Let Your Light Shine: Your Actions

4) Let the fruits of the Spirit show in your life.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

If you are already practicing all nine of these characteristics, that’s awesome, and people will definitely want to be around you! You are in a great position to share the gospel of hope in a dark world. But most of us have one or two (or eight, or nine) that we regularly fail at.

Look that verse over again. Which one(s) do you need to work on?

5) Serve others as Christ served you.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

John 15:16

Christ gave his life for you! This means you are free from slavery to sin and self-serving pleasures and instead can spend your life serving others and leading them back to Christ. This doesn’t mean you have to exchange your plans for becoming an electrician or pilot with a career as a missionary, however. Serving others can start right now by putting their needs ahead of your own.

In other words, doing everything we’ve already talked about!

How to Let Your Light Shine: Your Passion

6) Seek and exude genuine joy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Do you know someone who always seems to be at peace? Who emits joy everywhere she goes like the clean scent of a sweet, delicate perfume? Those people don’t just disappear from your memory when you leave them because they are rare and uplifting to be around. Seek to be filled with genuine joy and strive to be that person for someone else.

7) Reflect Jesus in literally everything!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

The way you live and the way you love is a reflection of Christ. Make it a strong one!

When it seems like the battle between good and evil is coming to a climax, and evil is going to win, make a choice to let your light shine in this dark world. Show God’s love to others through your words, actions, and passion. If every Christian did this, there would be tiny points of light growing all over.

Be the Light of the World: More Resources For Christian Teens

The seven ideas listed above are by no means the only ways to let your light shine in a dark world, so don’t stop here! Check out other ways to be the light and show God’s love to others, starting with Made to Stand Out: 7 Virtues for Christian Teens.

Check out these other great evangelism resources:

• Teen Evangelism: Why Jesus Wants You To Share Your Faith NOW
• Stop Hiding Your Faith So Other Believers Can See You
• How to Spread the Gospel: 21 Ways Teens Can Evangelize (article by Greg Stier)