A young person’s view on the core expression of Christian living
As part of the International Day of Children and Young People 2026, members and friends of The Salvation Army celebrated the theme of ‘In the Light’ during the weekend of 24–26 April. The theme was inspired by Ephesians 5:8 which calls people to ‘live as children of light’. At a time when many young people are facing uncertainty, conflict, loneliness and pressure from the world around them, the global event encouraged children and young people to shine with the love of Jesus in their schools, communities and everyday lives.
Young people are not only the future of the Church; they are an important part of its mission today. Across the international Salvation Army, younger generations are already living out their faith through worship, service, leadership and compassionate outreach to others. As older generations nurture and encourage them, young people continue to demonstrate what it means to walk in the light of Jesus and share his hope with a world in need.
In this reflection, Treasure Umoh from Nigeria, a member of The Salvation Army’s International Children and Youth Advisory Group (ICYAG), explores what it truly means to be ‘light in the darkness’ and challenges us to live boldly and visibly for Christ.
The world has become and is still becoming a dark place with so many happenings, most of which have been spoken of in the Scriptures; and there’s more to come. Light is needed in a dark place as a means of illumination to ensure no one stumbles and there is a clear direction on the path to follow.
If a dark place becomes lit up, you will know. Light needs no special announcement. Comparing that to our lives means that you should have a distinguishing factor and all who see you should see God’s light in you.
An already lit place needs no light. So, Jesus calling us ‘the light of the world’ signifies there is darkness in the world: ‘You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden,’ he said (Matthew 5: 14).
- Light gives illumination
- Light gives direction, clarity and reveals hidden things
- Light expels darkness
Followers of Jesus have such a vital role to play as light – expelling darkness, giving illumination to dark places, giving direction, clarity and revelation.
Being called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light also means making a difference. We should stand out through our words, actions and way of life, so that our entire life reflects the faith we profess.
A peculiar fact about light is that it announces itself. If a dark place becomes lit up, you will know. Light needs no special announcement. Comparing that to our lives means that you should have a distinguishing factor and all who see you should see God’s light in you. The distinguishing factor is the life of God in you.
We have become witnesses of this glorious good news in Jesus Christ; it is important to not just say we know Christ but to become like Christ. That is the ultimate witness – living like Christ.
Acts 11:26 says: ‘The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.’ This means the followers of Jesus lived so distinctly that people around them identified them as belonging to Christ. It was about how they lived their lives. They knew how Christ lived so they knew they were truly following the Lord.
What does this mean for us now?
If there was ever a time to stand boldly and declare your faith in Jesus and live it out in your everyday life, it is now!
Dear friend, you are ‘light’ to express it, not to hide it. ‘Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bucket, but on a stand; and it gives light to all that are in the house,’ Jesus also said (Matthew 5:15). No one lights a candle and hides it under a bushel, right? It would defeat the entire purpose of light.
In summary, light should be expressed without hindrances.
The world is waiting and in dire need of more people who would live out the Jesus life, knowing that the life we live gives us the opportunity to share Jesus with others.
So, shine, and shine brightly!
