For a believer in Christ, what exactly does it mean to be a light to your generation?

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Is Jesus saying that up till this moment, these people He is speaking to have never done anything good?

What are the good works Jesus is talking about?

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

If what Jesus was talking about was merely a moral lifestyle, then how would that set a believer apart from other moralistic religious people in the world?

Millions of people do not know Jesus but do good works on par with what Christians do as good works.  So, is it a good work in the most common understanding that Jesus was referring to?

I believe Jesus was referring to walking in the life that He gives. I believe this being a light has to do with being made alive in Him and living out from that place of faith in Him that animates our very being.  I think it involves walking in such faith that our lives exude joy, peace, and confidence in what it means to be loved by God.  I think this is the light that shines so that others can see.

While even those in the world might do good works, they cannot live out the kind of animated life and light that a true believer in Jesus can.  They cannot exude confidence in the love of God and the kind of joy that only the Holy Ghost can produce.

1Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

For me, this is that light!  That ability to live in the experience of Him and the joy that it brings no matter what might be happening to me in life.   Like others in this world, believers in Jesus will also experience hardships, trials, and challenges.  But the way they handle them and the attitude they bring to the moment is a real game changer.  They come to that moment equipped with His life and power in the Spirit.

Believers exude joy and peace in the midst of storms.  They walk in something those of this world cannot walk in.  They have eternal life flowing in them.  They have Jesus!  Jesus is the light of the world!  He is the light that shines in the darkness!  Being a light on our part is simply letting His light shine through us towards others.  Let others see the joy and peace that we have because of Him, and give the credit for having such to Him!  This is being a light.