In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells His followers that they are the light of the world and challenges them to let their light shine before men in such a way as to glorify the Father who is in heaven.

In the context, Jesus provides the following essentials for those who would shine as lights. Use these commands as an opportunity for spiritual self-examination.

• You must be the salt of the earth (Mt. 5:13).
• You must not be an angry, bitter person (Mt. 5:21-22).
• You must be a conciliatory, forgiving person (Mt. 5:23-26).
• You must be morally pure, practicing self-control (Mt. 5:27-32).
• You must be an honest person (Mt. 5:33-37).
• You must practice non-retaliation (Mt. 5:38-42).
• You must love and pray for your enemies (Mt. 5:43-48).
• You must not make your religious practice a theatrical production (Mt. 6:1-18).
• You must not store up for yourselves treasures on earth (Mt. 6:19-21).
• You must serve God from the heart (Mt. 6:22-23).
• You must not serve two masters (Mt. 6:24).
• You must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mt. 6:25-34).
• You must not practice hypocritical judgment (Mt. 7:1-5).
• You must not waste time teaching those who reject the truth (Mt. 7:6).
• You must seek God continually in prayer (Mt. 7:7-11).
• You must practice the Golden Rule (Mt. 7:12).
• You must walk the straight and narrow path (Mt. 7:13-14).
• You must avoid the influence of false teachers (Mt. 7:15-20).
• You must be obedient to the will of the Father (Mt. 7:21-27).