Red Letter Coaching Matthew 5:14-16

Be the Light. Don’t Hide It.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” — Matthew 5:14–16

The Big Idea (B3rd Focus)

If God has placed you somewhere, He intends to use you there. Light is meant to be seen.

Coaching Reflection

Still in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus now shifts from who we are becoming to how we are meant to live. He tells His followers something bold and unmistakable: you are the light of the world.

Light is not accidental. It has purpose. No one lights a lamp and hides it. A light is placed intentionally so others can see. Jesus makes it clear—faith is not meant to be private, silent, or hidden away when it becomes uncomfortable.

That’s not always easy, especially in athletics. There are moments when it feels safer to blend in. Easier to stay quiet. Easier to act like the rest of the world. Even Peter, on the night of Jesus’ betrayal, denied knowing Him when the pressure rose.

Jesus challenges us not to cover the lamp.

Being the light doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being faithful. It means choosing love when the world chooses selfishness. Integrity when shortcuts are available. Humility when pride is rewarded. Light doesn’t draw attention to itself—it points people to the Father.

B3rd Application

Athletics place us on a platform—locker rooms, sidelines, weight rooms, practices, and competitions. These are spaces God has intentionally placed us.

B3rd living means we don’t hide our faith, but we also don’t force it. We live it. We love God first. We put others before ourselves. And through our actions, our consistency, and our character, we point people to Jesus.

You are not called to be first.

You are not called to be second.

You are called to be third—so Christ can be seen.

B3rd Challenges

Athletes

• Where are you tempted to blend in instead of stand out?

• Are your actions pointing others toward Christ or away from Him?

Challenge:

Choose one intentional way this week to live differently—through effort, integrity, or how you treat a teammate.

Coaches

• Are you creating a culture that reflects light or just results?

• How do your words and reactions model Christ under pressure?

Challenge:

Model servant leadership this week in a way your athletes can clearly see.

Parents

• Are you helping your athlete understand faith as a daily witness, not just a belief?

• What example are you setting in how you treat others?

Challenge:

Talk with your athlete this week about what it looks like to be a light in their specific environment.

Final B3rd Thought

Light was never meant to be hidden. If God has placed you there, He plans to use you there. Love God. Serve others. Let Christ be seen through you.