Solving the Puzzle of the Sermon on the Mount

How to Shine Your Light Without Taking the Glory

The Puzzle in the Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most influential teachings in history. Within it, Jesus offers us a vision for living in a way that transforms not just individual lives but entire communities. But hidden in his words is a puzzle that’s particularly relevant for those of us working to bring the Kingdom of God into the world through our actions, ministries, and media.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus commands, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Yet just one chapter later, he warns against public displays of good deeds, saying, “Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

So, are we supposed to hide our good works or let them shine? For those of us in ministry, this is more than a theological riddle—it’s a practical question that shapes how we present our work, serve others, and use tools like media to reach our communities.

Section 1: Why Jesus Is Not Contradicting Himself

First, let’s address the seeming contradiction. Jesus is not simply giving us a rule about public versus private acts of faith. Instead, he’s teaching about the heart of our actions. When Jesus speaks of “letting your light shine,” he’s talking about a life that naturally points to God. The purpose is to let others see the good in us and recognize God’s work, not our own.

On the other hand, Jesus warns against doing good deeds to be admired by others in Matthew 6. Here, the issue isn’t visibility, but motivation. When the goal of our good deeds shifts to self-glorification, we risk undermining the very mission we’re trying to accomplish. Jesus is essentially asking: What’s your true motivation?

Section 2: Humility in Community - How True Light Shines

Jesus’ teachings reveal a beautiful truth about community. Alone, a person shining their light risks inadvertently attracting attention to themselves, no matter how pure their intentions. However, when a community comes together to lift one another up, the dynamic changes.

In Christian ministry, this is essential. When someone sees good in us and praises God as a result, it often happens because others in our community speak of the goodness they see. The humility required for us to serve without seeking recognition is only sustainable in community—a community that celebrates God’s work in one another.

This is one of the reasons why, at Kolstad Media, we are so passionate about lifting up others’ work in ministry. We’re seeking out the humble lights that shine without fanfare, amplifying them so God’s light can spread further. This approach to media ministry isn’t about putting individuals on a pedestal; it’s about letting a collective light shine to glorify God.

Section 3: How Media Can Help Shine the Light on God’s Work

Film and media can sometimes feel like they’re inherently self-promoting. But we believe that media can be used as a powerful tool to reveal the hidden work of God in our communities without shifting the focus to individual glory. Through documentary storytelling, testimonies, and carefully crafted messages, we can highlight the incredible things God is doing through people who are otherwise unseen.

Here are some practical ways to use media to shine light on God’s work without misdirecting the glory:

1. Focus on God’s Movement, Not Personalities: When crafting media, focus on the larger story—what God is doing, how lives are changing, and how communities are growing.
2. Use Testimonies Wisely: Testimonies are powerful because they allow others to see God’s impact without feeling that any individual is taking the credit. By carefully selecting testimonials that highlight God’s hand, you let the community tell the story.
3. Showcase Collaborative Efforts: When possible, emphasize teamwork and collective efforts rather than individual achievements. This reflects the Kingdom of God as a body of believers working together.
4. Keep the Tone Humble and Service-Oriented: In all media, adopt a tone that reflects humility, service, and a commitment to God’s glory, not personal fame.

Section 4: What This Means for Our Work at Kolstad Media

At Kolstad Media, this teaching isn’t just theoretical—it’s a guiding principle. Our mission is to help ministries, churches, and organizations let their light shine in a way that points back to God. We believe that when media is used to amplify the quiet, humble work of God’s people, it doesn’t just shine a light; it builds community and deepens faith.

Our approach is all about lifting others up, bringing visibility to the faithful work happening in communities everywhere. When we use our skills to showcase these stories, we’re participating in the same humble approach Jesus taught. It’s not about showing off; it’s about making God’s Kingdom more visible.

The Call to Let Your Light Shine—Together

In a world where self-promotion is common, the call to let our light shine without seeking personal glory is challenging but deeply rewarding. Jesus calls us to be salt and light, but he also calls us to humility and selflessness. By working in community, lifting one another up, and focusing on God’s work rather than individual achievements, we can fulfill this call authentically.

So, let us take up this mission: to do good works publicly, not for our own sake but for the glory of God. At Kolstad Media, we’re here to help others answer that call by providing the tools, stories, and media that can make this vision a reality.