Daily Devotional - November 18th, 2025
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
“In my theory of collective dependence, the connection we establish with those around us is directly proportional to the radius of our influence. The more isolated we make ourselves, the less valuable we become to others.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
Influence grows only where relationship has taken root. We cannot shape hearts we never touch, and we cannot touch hearts we deliberately avoid. Isolation may feel safe, even noble, but it quietly erodes our capacity to uplift. When we retreat from people to preserve comfort or protect pride, we trade impact for insulation. God designed us to carry one another, not to build small fortresses around our fears.
Consider how a lamp functions. Its purpose is fulfilled only when it casts its light into a dark space. A lamp hidden in a cabinet still produces light, but no one benefits from it. In the same way, our gifts, insights, and character lose their power when we conceal them behind distance or self-protection. Service demands more than goodwill. It demands presence. Connection. Willingness to be seen and heard, even when it stretches us. The world is not strengthened by the gifts we hide but by the ones we courageously place in circulation.
Every act of influence modeled by Christ required proximity. He stepped into conversations, homes, conflicts, and crowds. He chose engagement over withdrawal and relationship over ease. When we follow Him, we choose to let our light meet other lives, trusting that God magnifies the offerings we share.
Scripture:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Daily Application:
Think of someone you have been avoiding or a group you have withdrawn from that could benefit from your influence. Take one step today to reconnect or reach out, even if it feels uncomfortable.