SET APART TO SHINE

Jesus declared, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16).

Think for a moment about a lighthouse on a dark shoreline. It is never mistaken for just another building. Its very design and purpose are to stand tall, to shine brightly, and to guide ships safely through the storm. That is the picture Jesus gives us of the Christian life. As His followers, we are not called to blend into the background but to stand out so that others may see Christ through us. Our lives are meant to reflect His light in a world that desperately needs hope and direction.

Being “set apart” means that the way we live, speak, and treat others should look different from the world around us. Matthew 5:16 reminds us that our good works bring glory to God, and 1 Peter 3:15 challenges us to always be ready to explain the hope we have in Christ. This difference is not about being odd, prideful, or self-righteous, it is about being Spirit-filled. Jesus said that His disciples would be known by their love (John 13:35). Paul points us to the evidence of God at work in our lives: the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities, lived out daily, make our faith visible to others. Our speech should build others up (Ephesians 4:29), and our kindness and forgiveness should reflect the mercy of Christ (Ephesians 4:32).

Of course, this kind of living is not easy. We live in a culture where “personal truth” often overshadows God’s truth, and it can be tempting to simply go along with the crowd. But Scripture calls us higher. Colossians 3:12 reminds us that as God’s chosen people, we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Being set apart means refusing to conform to the world’s standards and instead allowing the Holy Spirit to shape us. It means we cannot settle for merely attending church, we must embrace what it means to be the church.

When we choose to live differently, something powerful happens. God receives the glory, and we receive the joy of knowing our lives have eternal impact. One day, if we remain faithful, we will hear those words we long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But if we shrink back and blend into the crowd, we risk missing the chance to see God work through us in remarkable ways.

So, as you reflect on your walk with Christ, remember this truth: “You are the light of the world.” Your faith is not meant to be hidden but to shine brightly in your home, workplace, community, and beyond. Ask yourself: Am I living in a way that reflects Christ in every area of my life? Do my words and actions reveal that I belong to Him? Am I willing to be different, even when it is difficult? When you choose to live set apart, your light will shine in the darkness, and God will be glorified through you.

Jennifer Carver is the wife of Administrative Bishop Mark Carver. She is currently serving as the Women’s Ministries Director for the state of Arkansas. Mark and Jennifer have been married for 27 years and are the parents of two children, Makayla and Grant. Together, Mark and Jennifer have devoted their lives to ministry, spending much of their service in South Georgia where they pastored faithfully for over twenty years. Also, during their time in South Georgia, Mark served as the Evangelism and Ministries Director, while Jennifer served as the Women’s Evangelism Coordinator for the Church of God Executive Offices in South Georgia. Jennifer’s heart for ministry has always been centered on encouraging and equipping others, and her life and leadership continue to reflect a deep love for God and His people.