EVERWEST DEVOTIONAL #12 | Light of the World
Scripture
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV)
Reflection
Almost three years ago when God first gave me the idea for Everwest, I didn’t know it was from Him. At the time, I believed it was my own idea, a leather goods company built around the high-country way of life through quality products, and self-expression. There was no mention of Jesus, no connection to eternity or salvation. Just a business. But as I grew in my faith, God began showing me that He had something far greater in mind.
What started as a company meant to inspire exploration and self-expression became a tool to display His light. Step by step, as my relationship with Christ deepened, He began weaving Himself into the very fabric of Everwest. It started subtly, a small reference to Psalm 23 stitched inside our bags. Then came faith-filled reflections on our packaging cards, handwritten verses on each shipping box, quoting Mark 8:35 throughout the website, rewriting our “About Us” page as a “Testimony”, and finally, these devotionals.
Each change wasn’t a branding decision; it was an act of obedience. The more I surrendered to Him, the more Everwest became a reflection of His light, not my ambition. God was teaching me that a light hidden beneath comfort or fear doesn’t reach anyone. In Matthew chapter 5, He calls us to place our lamps on a stand, to let our lives and our work shine so that others may see and glorify Him.
I believe that’s why He had me pause before launching this business. Before Everwest could shine outwardly, it had to be ignited inwardly. God needed to refine my heart, strip away my pride, and ground both me and this company in His truth. Now, every detail, every design, every message, every decision points back to the One who lit the flame in the first place.
As much as I’m becoming rooted in Him, this business is too. My prayer is that Everwest never hides its light or shies away from who fuels it. Because this isn’t about leather gear, it’s about His purpose.
The same invitation Jesus gives in Matthew chapter 5 isn’t just for businesses or platforms, it’s for every believer. Each of us has been entrusted with a lamp: our work, our family, our gifts, our story, our everyday obedience. It’s easy to keep that light hidden out of fear, comfort, or concern over how others might respond. But Jesus calls us to something braver. He calls us to place our lamp on a stand and trust Him with the outcome. So ask yourself, where has God placed you, and what would it look like to let His light shine more clearly there? When we choose obedience over comfort and faith over fear, God uses even the ordinary parts of our lives to point others back to Him.
Application
- Are there areas in your life or work where you've hidden the light God placed in you?
- What does it look like for your faith to be visible, not forced, but freely shining?
- How can you use your gifts, work, or influence this week to glorify your Father in heaven?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be Your light in the world. Help us to never hide what You’ve done in our lives but to let it shine through everything we do, through our jobs, through our words, and through our actions. May every spark of creativity and every bit of success point only to You. Let us all as a community of Jesus followers be a light on a hill, guiding others toward Your truth and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If there’s someone in your life who might be encouraged by this, or future devotionals, please share it with them or subscribe them here. You can also find past devotionals here.
- Jake Bunz, Founder
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