What a challenge we all have to live as people of light. Especially when the world appears to be getting darker and darker. May we remember that even a little candle shines brightest in the dark.
Because Canadian summers last such a short time, we have learned to make the most of every warm day possible. From my fourth-floor window, the back yards of the surrounding neighborhood are clearly exposed. Throughout spring, summer, and now well into fall, one stalwart fellow has an outdoor fire lit every night without snow or rain. That flickering light draws my attention far more than all the high intensity street lights and flashing neon signs. For whatever reason, natural light pulls our focus.
God encourages us to let His light shine through us, bringing comfort and hope to others. His light will draw more attention than any flashing artificial light of the world. No matter how dimly we feel we shine, our flickering flames make a difference in the world.
May we do this well, shining brighter for Jesus.
I AM the Light
Every light around us consumes fuel or power. When the power goes out, everything seems to hang in darkness. One light will ever remain bright, however.
“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.‘”
John 8:12 ESV
Praise God! That takes the pressure off of us? He is the Light! Jesus, the Light of the world, stays consistent throughout all ages and times. He depends on no external power source. Because He is THE LIGHT, He gives light to others.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-15 NIV
Okay! I believe that Jesus is the Light, but when He calls us “the light of the world”, that sounds like a bit of a stretch.
And yet, He always and only speaks truth. We are … we already are … the light He has placed into the world. In our own capacity, we lack the sufficiency to light anything.
Let Your Light Shine
Do you remember that little children’s chorus, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine?” We taught children they were God’s lights. We encouraged them to hold their little pointer finger high as a symbol of letting the light of Jesus shine. Perhaps, we as adults need to dance around our homes with our fingers pointed heavenward singing the same little tune until God’s truth soaks deep into our souls.
“Let it shine!” Jesus instructs us. But how?
Paul gives further encouragement throughout his letter to the Ephesians. Let’s consider Paul’s advice on how to become brighter “lights” of faith, impacting our world.
- “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).
- “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:2).
- “Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins” (Ephesians 5:6) “or participate in the things these people do” (Ephesians 5:7).
- “…but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
Those old-nature patterns of thinking, believing, and acting will extinguish the light of Christ and diminish the fire of the Holy Spirit within us. Paul warns us how foolish it is to think we can play with sin without being affected.
He has placed us on a new path and given us something extremely valuable — Himself, to light the best way for us and for others.
Live as People of Light
Paul also wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …” (Romans 1:16).
To live as people of light, we must refuse to accept any shadow of “shame” regarding our privileged place as Christ-followers. The lost world unknowingly longs for the real deal — the light, life, and hope which only Christ Jesus gives. As we faithfully imitate His example of loving others, His light can and will shine through us.
May we guard our hearts from the deceptiveness of sin and exterminate every thought and action that would draw us away from Christ and cause us to doubt His goodness and grace. May no shadow of the enemy hang over our lives.
A day is coming when Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, will return. And when that Light rises over the horizon, all darkness will be fully exposed.
“But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:13-14
Oh friends, we don’t shine the presence of Jesus brighter by trying harder of doing more. We shine the brightest when we simply follow and imitate the One Who is Light. May we allow Him to bring His light into every recess of our hearts and minds, turning us into light.
Bless you, brothers and sisters in Christ! You are people of light! Shine!
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