Don’t turn the light off.
There’s something scary about the dark. I remember hearing of a man who, in childhood, could not sleep unless the lights were on. That habit stuck with him into his adult life, so he could not get to sleep in the dark and asked his wife to keep the light on.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be the light in a world often shrouded in darkness. This mandate is not merely a metaphorical expression but a profound biblical command that carries significant weight in our daily lives.
Being Light
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus explicitly commands believers to be the light of the world. This passage emphasises that our good deeds should shine before others, leading them to glorify God. The light we carry is not our own but the light of Christ, which illuminates the path for those lost in darkness. This light is the Gospel, which transforms lives by revealing the truth of God's love and redemption.
The world we live in is marked by ignorance, despair, and spiritual darkness. These forces often seek to extinguish the light we carry, making it challenging to maintain our witness. However, as Christians, we are not called to hide our light but to let it shine brightly, even in the face of adversity.
Understanding Darkness
Spiritual darkness is the absence of spiritual light, often characterised by ignorance of God's truth or rebellion against it. It can manifest as moral decay, spiritual apathy, or outright hostility toward God. Cultural darkness encompasses societal norms and values that contradict biblical principles, such as materialism, hedonism, or relativism. These forms of darkness can be overwhelming, but as believers, we must recognise them as opportunities to shine brighter.
Strategies for Overcoming
To overcome darkness, believers must employ several strategies. First, prayer and intercession are crucial. We can pray for those trapped in darkness, asking God to open their hearts to receive the light of the Gospel. Second, being part of a supportive Christian community provides strength and encouragement in the face of darkness. Finally, pursuing personal holiness through regular spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, Bible study) helps believers maintain their light in dark environments. By focusing on these, we can remain steadfast and continue to shine despite the challenges around us.
Illuminating the Path
Jesus not only commands believers to be light but also emphasises that this light should lead others to glorify God. This underscores the importance of living in a way that points others to Christ. Our role as lights is not just to exist but to actively guide others toward the truth of Jesus Christ.
Being a light in modern society involves living out our faith with integrity and sharing the Gospel with love. This can be achieved through discipleship as we build each other in the faith, sharing personal experiences and teaching biblical principles. Additionally, evangelism is a direct way to illuminate the path for those in darkness. This can be done through personal conversations, group evangelism efforts, or supporting missionary work. By engaging in these activities, we not only fulfil our biblical mandate but also bring hope and transformation to those around us.
Conclusion
As we strive to be a light in a dark world, remember our role is not to generate light from within but to reflect the light of Christ. Some people don’t know they’re living in darkness. Some people don’t want to live in the darkness. God strategically positions us to keep the light on.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
To help apply the principles from what you’ve read, here are practical tips:
Ask (Reflections to Make)
- How am I currently using my influence to illuminate the path for others?
- Are there relationships or situations where I feel God is calling me to shine brighter?
- How can I better balance sharing the Gospel with demonstrating Christ's love in practical ways?
Seek (Actions to Take)
- Choose a scripture that emphasises being light (e.g., Matthew 5:14-16, John 1:5). Meditate on it daily to sharpen your understanding of this calling.
- Identify a situation where you can intentionally shine your light. Plan specific actions to shine.
- Engage in a task to practically demonstrate the light of Christ in your community.
Knock (Prayer for God's Sake)
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to shine brighter in the world.
- Thank God for the relationship with the Light in His Son.
- Intercede for believers facing challenges in being light, praying for their strength and courage.
