What does it really mean to be the light of the world, and whose light are you actually shining? In this episode, Dot and Cara sit with Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14-16 and ask the harder question underneath them, are we living to be seen by God, or to be seen by people? It's an honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversation about motivation, influence, and who you're actually representing every time you walk into a room. Pull up a chair, grab your Bible, and lean in with us.
Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show?
Let us know! - Intro (00:00)
- Write this down: Matthew 5:14-16, you are the light of the world (00:00)
- Cara opens with this week's question, what light are we shining and who's influencing it (00:39)
- Dot admits this is a hard conversation to have without sounding judgmental (01:09)
- Keeping the why nearby, and the difference between existing and actually living (01:47)
- What Jesus really meant by being the light of the world, and checking whether it reflects him or us (03:27)
- You're representing someone everywhere you go, even when you don't realize it (06:39)
- Resting in the Lord lets his light shine through without you having to force it (09:26)
- Peter rebuking Jesus about the cross, and what it reveals about chasing our own agenda over God's (12:50)
- Closing challenge, ask God who you're influencing and who's influencing you, then write it down (17:54)
Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at
hello@dotbowen.com.
This Episode’s Scripture VerseMatthew 5:14-16 (ESV) — "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
What is Write this Down! with Dot Bowen?
Bible teacher, author and founder of Cup of Joy Ministries, Dot Bowen, teaches listeners what it truly looks like to know, love and follow Jesus. Each week, Dot invites you to sit down with her and her daughter, Cara, to have an authentic conversation about Biblical Scripture and God’s Truth. Their honest and thought provoking conversations are full of wit and wisdom which will have you diving deeper into God’s Word.
Whether Dot is teaching, speaking or simply grabbing coffee with a dear friend, she can often be heard saying with excitement, “Write this Down!” Her heart for the listener is to take the things she asks you to write down before the Lord and ask Him to open your eyes to His Truth and love. John 8:32 says, “and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.”
By the end of each episode, you’ll find yourself grabbing a pencil so that you can Write this Down! with Dot Bowen.