Shine Brightly

Darkness. 

What comes to mind when you think of darkness? Fear? Isolation? Disorienting?

Darkness is powerful. Darkness is the natural state of the world. Darkness was over the face of the earth when God spoke, “Let there be Light!”

The unfortunate truth is, that our first parents, Adam and Eve, allowed spiritual darkness to reign in this world when they rejected God’s command and chose to eat that fruit. Since the beginning, darkness has been a plague in our world.

Yet, once again, the darkness of this world was pierced by the voice of its Creator, but this time, instead of a command, it was a cry of a newborn. Jesus entered into our darkness to be the light and life we desperately needed.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus came to give us abundant life, or life to the full. He came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. One of the descriptions about Jesus in the Gospels is “the Light.”

Jesus is the Light

Why is it significant for us to know that Jesus is the Light? 

One reason is that Light is the Source of Life. 

John 1:9–12

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

The true light that pierces the spiritual darkness is Jesus Christ. He came to bring the truth and life to all those who believe. Those who receive Him are given the power to become children of God, adopted into His forever family!

The way to abundant life is in Jesus Christ.

Another reason is that Light is a Source of Safety. 

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night, trying to walk across the room, only to trip on something. Think of how safe you feel when you turn on the light and can see the obstacles in your way.

John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Jesus is the light that shines into our darkness and reveals the obstacles in our way. We can be overwhelmed with the difficulties of this life, but they cannot overcome Jesus. He has won the victory for us, we need to turn to Him to drive out the darkness. 

And Light is the Source of Direction.

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

Several years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Israel. One day, we decided to walk Hezekiah’s Tunnel. I guess it was a good thing that I didn’t know what was ahead, or else I may have missed on a really cool journey.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel was about 3 football fields in length and it was pitch black. Even with my flash light on, I could only see the one in front of me. There were times where the darkness closed in and the air got warm, and yet others times where it felt cavernous. Yet I followed the leader through the darkness and soon began to see the light and feel a fresh breeze.

We are in darkness, but Jesus is that light. If we follow Him, He will lead us through and direct us to the light. We keep our eyes on Him by spending time in His Word.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

I would like the big picture or at least the architectural designs for my life. But what I am promised is the next best step. The key is to trust our guide, Jesus the Light of the World. He is the guide we can trust.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Christian You are the Light

You may have some questions about that header, but they are Christ’s Words, not mine. Something we need to unpack and remember every day. 

Your Light Shines 

Matthew 5:14–16

“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.”

If you are a believer, then your light shines. You are not the source of that light, but you are the representation of Christ that people see. You were not called to Christ to hide your faith, but to put your faith on display.

This isn’t saying that you have to become the next Billy Graham or Mother Teresa, but is saying that your faith in Christ should permeate your daily life that people notice a difference in you.

Consider this poem by Arthur McPhee:

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Are read by more than a few,

But the one that is most read and commented on

Is the gospel according to you.

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day

By the things that you do and the words that you say,

Men read what you write, whether faithless or true,

Say, what is the gospel according to you'

Do men read His truth and His love in your life,

Or has yours been too full of malice and strife'

Does your life speak of evil, or does it ring true'

Say, what is the gospel according to you'

Or as William J. Toms said it,

“Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” 

It’s a burdensome thing to think about, that we represent Jesus to this world. However, when we remember that Jesus is the Source of Life, Safety and Direction, all we need to do is faithfully follow Him and our light in this world will shine brightly!

Two areas I have noticed in recent years that cause people to observe a difference is our words and our purity. 

Take a look at what language is now acceptable on TV, in movies, or in music. Vulgarity is continuing to be popularized. As believers, when we refuse the social norms of dirty talk, swearing or cussing, the world notices. When we instead use our words to build up others and share the love of Christ, people notice.

I’ve said numerous times, but there is no place in a Christians life for foul language. Go to the Bible, read what it says about words, the power of words, language, and judgement. See if it permits us to be flippant about our words.   

Purity in relationships is another huge area. The world wants everyone to think that sex is just an act and no big deal. TV, social media, movies and music have been pumping our brains full of casual sexuality and romance. When we as believers live out standards of purity, it says something to the world. 

How can we be a light to the world when we are living just like the world. Go to the word of God and see what He calls us to, and follow His commandments. 

Walking in the Light Together 

1 John 1:5–7

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

When Jesus saved you, He didn’t save you to isolation but to community. The Church is a gift from God to help us persevere in walking in the Light. Life is difficult and we can easily be sidetracked from the truth. But when we are in fellowship with fellow believers we are encouraged and motivated to continue on.

Check yourself, are you walking in darkness? A good indicator of walking in darkness is when you don’t want to be around other believers. If you are afraid to get into a small group of fellow Christians because they might talk about real life, you are probably trying to conceal a sin area. If you have no desire to read God’s Word or talk to other believers about it, you are probably walking in darkness. 

But when we walk in the light, we are experiencing His forgiveness and cleansing. We recognize we are sinners who need a Savior and we march along with others who cling to Jesus.  

Jesus is the Source of Life, Safety and Direction. He has given us a mission to let our light shine in this world and to walk in fellowship with Him and other believers. As we prepare our hearts for Easter, remember who the Light is and how you can be a light to those around you.