Shine Where You Stand

We are talking about Shine Where You Stand.

We often think making an impact means doing something huge—but the truth is, God calls us to shine right where we are. Whether it’s at home, at work, or even in small everyday moments, your kindness, patience, and love point others to Him. Matthew 5:16 reminds us that our good deeds aren’t just for us—they’re for God’s glory. So today, let’s explore how simple, faithful actions can light up the world around us.

Matthew 5:16 (NLT): “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

We can watch videos of just about anything, and we can see how people handle life—and the spectrum of that varies—but the ones that make the impact are the ones that do the small things. For instance, I saw a video of a delivery man take someone’s laundry off the line because it was starting to rain. This is a small gesture, but you could see that one act shined brightly because the owners of the house posted the video to show that kindness.

What can you do today? Hold a door open for someone, pay for their coffee, or just encourage someone with a kind word. All of these can change someone’s day, and it could be the one good thing they remember all day.

Generosity is often one of the things that we shine out the brightest. We all love to give, and that is because we love to see others happy. That impact is contagious. Giving doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or even something you spend money on. Giving through time, listening, and just being there makes a big impact.

For instance, here at KJIC, we love to know that y’all are praying for this ministry. The impact and importance of prayer bring hope and comfort. If you see someone who needs your time and prayer, then take that moment and let God make the impact.

A lot happens behind the scenes of any production that is being put on. In movies, it takes years to get things done. Those behind the scenes are super interesting because we just don’t know all the effort that is put into it.

When I was in college, I was the backstage manager for three years for many of the music productions that we had. I learned that my role was just as important as the ones who were on the stage. No, I didn’t have lines to memorize, but I did have all the blocking to mark, the props to put in the right place at just the right time, and I had to tell everyone when to go on.

So, though you think your role may be small in the Kingdom of God, it is huge, and it matters just as much as anyone else’s. Focus on the fact that all we do gives God the glory, and you will find that will impact you and then impact others as well.

Shining isn’t always about big, dramatic gestures. Often, it’s the quiet moments that matter most—the smile to a stranger, the encouraging word to a friend, or the patient choice in a stressful situation. These everyday acts ripple out in ways we don’t always see. Matthew 5:16 reminds us: when we let our good deeds shine, we point people to God. Your influence is real, even in small, ordinary moments.

In our mission statement here at KJIC, we say that we want to be a light to the lost, and with this, we do all that we can, in the best way we can, to do that. We want every part of this ministry to bring encouragement, comfort, and spiritual strength while shining a light to the lost.

So, though we may not be able to make big, dramatic gestures, we still strive to bring Jesus to the forefront of everything we do.

We don’t think that where we are is good enough to make an impact sometimes, and I think that is because we go and do a lot of the same things every day. But you have to remember that just because your days seem redundant, they are not. God is working in and through you in every moment, and any one of those moments could bring light to someone.

So, as you go about your day-to-day, know that God is using you. Making copies may not seem significant, but that conversation at the copy machine could be. So, start your day by asking God how you can shine where you stand and let Him guide you.

Our impact doesn’t have to reach far; it can start right there in our home. Just from that, there is a ripple effect. We talk to our spouse and kids, then go and talk with coworkers and classmates, and so on and so forth. Those conversations shared can start with you and how you handled a situation or a way that you explained something. The ripple effect can also come out in how those you impacted handle their own situations.

Another way you are shining is by taking care of your family. This ripple is big and does help our family live out those same things when it comes time to take care of their families as well.

Don’t underestimate your usefulness to God. Know that you are shining His light right where you stand.

Let’s remember that shining where you stand isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about consistently showing God’s love in your words, your choices, and your actions. Even in dark or difficult circumstances, your light can make a difference. God sees your faithfulness, and your steady light encourages others to seek Him too. Shine in the ordinary and watch God do extraordinary things through it.

Matthew 5:16 (NLT): “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Courage is one way that we are shining where we stand. We face circumstances that should knock us down, but with God, we are able to stay rooted and strong—not being blown over by life.

That is seen. You may not think others are watching you, but they are. They want to see how you handle difficult situations or conversations, or even just a time of silence.When we are firm-footed in the Lord, our resilience can surprise everyone around us.

So, big or small, know that your way of handling life by letting God lead you is, in fact, shining a light for Jesus.

We can feel dull and dim from time to time, and that’s okay. It’s okay to have times of feeling distant and like you just need to take time. You can be shining a light through all of that. God uses everything.

When we are bold enough to say, “I need time to pray,” or just be alone with God, we are showing characteristics of Christ. He took a lot of time by Himself to sit with the Lord, and through that, God worked, reassured, and strengthened. We need that as well.

So, shine your light through spending time with the Lord any time you can. Your moments with God are where change happens, and when you move forward because God led you to it, then you are doing all the right things—and that, my friend, is Shining Where You Stand.

Think about this: You don’t need a spotlight to shine. Matthew 5:16 reminds us that every act of love, every word of encouragement, and every patient moment points people to God. So, wherever you are, whoever you’re with, let your light shine. Shine in your home, at your workplace, in your friendships—shine where you stand. And remember, God can take even the smallest light and use it to bring glory to His name.

Your light matters. Shine faithfully, right where you are, and let God multiply it.