My husband and I were sitting at the foot of our hotel room bed. He had just finished a job interview and we were on the phone with my parents,  giving them the update and running through our pros and cons list. My dad listened and then, in his “this is important so I am going to speak quietly” voice, he said, “Don’t overthink this. I give you permission to be one of the top 10 in your field. If this job is going to get you there, take it.” I remember chuckling a bit at the statement but then, as I really thought through what he said, it began to land hard and take root. There was something about my dad giving my husband permission to be great that resonated in my spirit.

There is something in me that longs to do great things. I don’t want to be a little light, I want to be a big one. When my kids and I sing “This Little Light of Mine,” we sing “This Giant Light of Mine” instead. The light in me is the same as the light in the Man who healed the blind and calmed the storm. In fact, Jesus said I would do even greater things than He did.

¹² “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[a] anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 

Jesus gives us permission to do great things. He asks us not to dim our light. In fact, he said this about the light inside of us:

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

I have a theory. I think that many of us are so afraid of pride and/or being perceived as prideful that we are agreeing with the idea of being “little lights” and settling for small impact. We’ve memorized the verse about not letting your right-hand see the good things your left-hand does and we feel like we need to keep our pursuit of holiness to ourselves. Jesus said we need to get our light out from under the basket and put it on a stand so that those around us will SEE OUR GOOD WORKS and be drawn to the light inside of us.

The Bible is clear that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. A royal priesthood. Ambassadors of heaven. Co-heirs with Jesus.

So then, if the above descriptions are true, why is it so hard to give ourselves permission to do great things? Why do we settle? Why do we feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit we are actually good at something?

I’m not saying that every time you make a good decision or do something selfless you need to post it on Facebook. Don’t be annoying. But dang it, don’t hide your light! If you are good at something, run with it.God gets the glory.

If you are skilled at teaching or communicating, find those who need to be taught.

If you are musically talented, share your gift with others.

If you can write, start a blog or a book proposal and let God reveal Himself to others through your words.

If you are really good at parenting or have a great marriage, mentor young moms or young couples. Use your great wisdom to bless those around you.

If you are skilled in a specific field, don’t be afraid to climb the ladder. Don’t put your talent under a basket. Do great things. God gets the glory.

WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. We should be the CEOs,the politicians, the teachers, the authors, the scientists, the managers, the PTA presidents and the first to volunteer. We are the Moms and Dads and Coaches and Neighbors training and bringing up souls who will impact the generations after us.

The Creator of the universe thinks we are a big deal. He thinks we are such a big deal that He sent His only Son to die to save us. So, in case you need to hear it from someone, GO. You have permission to be one of the top 10 in your field. You have permission to do great things during your time on earth. You have a GIANT light. Shine it as brightly and as loudly and as boldly as you possibly can. Go and do big things.

To God be the glory.