Mark 4:21 (NIV) – “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?”
Have you ever tried to walk in a dark room? Maybe on your way to the bathroom? Or getting dressed in the early morning hours to not disturb your spouse’s sleep? Walking in the dark is not wise yet we all find ourselves doing it at some point in life.
You know what else is not wise and makes no sense? Let’s assume the walking in the dark to the bathroom scenario. You get up in the middle of the night because you just had to have that last glass of lemonade before bed. Well, it caught up with you at 2:00 o’clock in the morning. You jump up hurrying to the bathroom and on the way that unprotected baby toe finds the edge of that dresser drawer. Yeah, that hurts! You scream some halleluiahs and finally find the lamp and switch it on. Here is the kicker. After you switch the lamp on, you slide it under the bed. Doesn’t make sense, does it?
Who does that? Apparently, we do. Jesus uses this exact logic in Mark 4:21. He asks a question, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed?” (NIV). The obvious answer is no! That’s a ridiculous thought. Lamps are made to light up the room; they are created to help people see, and to shine.
So, what is Jesus’ point? He’s not talking about furniture or home decor. He’s talking about you and me. If you’re a follower of Christ, you’ve been given the Light of the world—Jesus Himself living inside of you called the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave. And yet… some of us are spiritual lamps hiding under the bed.
Examine yourself. Are you a closet Believer or Under-The-Bed Believer? There are so many reasons people hide their Light. Maybe it’s fear—of rejection, of conflict, of standing out (even though we’ve been called to stand out). Maybe it’s shame, or the feeling that you’re not “good enough” yet. Maybe it’s because of how loud the world is, and you don’t want to ruffle feathers or be labeled “too religious” or “holy roller”. It could be a plethora of reasons that keep one under the bed.
But here's the naked truth: a light that’s hidden doesn’t help anybody. NOBODY, not even you. That flashlight in the kitchen junk drawer doesn’t guide your steps. A porch light that’s off doesn’t welcome anyone home. And a Believer who’s silent and hidden isn't helping anyone stuck in the dark. Light dispels the dark. If your Light is not dispelling the darkness of your environment, what good are you and what good is your Light? Was the Light given to you as a gift for your own benefit only? That may sting a little—but it’s real. Jesus didn’t save you just so you could keep Him to yourself. He lit a fire in you so that you could light the way for others. You’re not just saved—you’re sent.
I harp on this because it’s been one of my favorite excuses for years, you don’t have to be a Bible scholar to shine your Light. You don’t need a pulpit or a platform or a microphone. You shine when you speak up for truth. You shine when you encourage someone who’s hurting. You shine when you love like Jesus—on purpose, out loud, and without apology. You shine when you help the poor and needy. You shine when you pray for others. You shine when you worship Elohim not only with your lips but by your lifestyle.
Your story, your journey, your faith, your testimony—they all matter. People are living in darkness right now. Depression, confusion, hopelessness, emptiness—they’re walking around blindfolded, and they don’t even know what they’re missing. But you? You’ve got the Light.
It’s time to come out from under the bed. Pull your faith out of the closet. Dust it off. Hang it high. Be bold. Be unashamed. Be the one who helps someone else find the switch and flip it. You don’t have to be perfect to shine because the One in you is perfect. I’m living proof that He can use an imperfect willing vessel. That’s how He gets the glory from my life. I can do nothing without Him. If He can use me, He can certainly use you. Be present and accounted for. Be available. Be willing. Be honest with Him and with yourself. Be open. And even if your Light feels small, remember this: the darkest room only needs the tiniest flicker to change everything. Growing up with a woodburning stove in the house, I’ve seen hundreds of roaring fires started with just a flicker of light.
I say all that to say this. if you've been hiding your Light—it's okay. We’ve all been there. But now’s the time to step into your purpose. The world doesn’t need more undercover Believers. It needs you—fully lit, fully alive, fully walking in your calling. As the younger generation says, the world needs you LIT! (for Christ Jesus)
So come on my Friend. Be that lamp on the stand. Shine so brightly that it blinds the enemy. Let people know who you belong to. That doesn’t mean walking around with a ten-pound bible or a big Flavor Flav cross hanging from your neck. It simply means speaking Life which is the Word of the Living God. Living faithfully as He is faithful. And boldly going forth proclaiming His goodness and sharing His plan of salvation. Never forget—you were made to shine. You were built for this!
Can I pray for you?
Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ our Messiah, I thank You for all who reads this blog. I ask You to help them not to hide the Light You’ve placed in them. Give them courage to live Scripture out loud, love boldly as You do, and speak Your Truth with grace and authority. May their lives reflect You, and may others find their way because of the light You’ve lit in them. Amen.
I thank you for being with me another week. I do not take your time and support for granted. If you would like to contact me, I can be reached at info@awellfedsoul.com. Please visit awellfedsoul.com for more inspirational content.
Until next time …. A blessed soul is A Well-Fed Soul!