Growing up, the evening news was my grandmother’s favorite. She never missed it, and it was known among all her grands that we were forbidden to bother her for that 30-minute slot. We were not allowed to touch that big ol’ black and white TV that took up half the length of her dresser, but if I promised to be quiet, sometimes she’d let me sit with her during the news. Even back then she was amazed at the craziness, and I heard her say on many evenings, “every generation just gets wiser and weaker.” Although you won’t find that in the Bible, it sure looks like history is proving it true. Technology is such an integral part of our lives. Most of us can’t remember never having it. Modern advancements have exponentially freed up our time, yet we still have no time to spare. This and so many other elements of modern life teach us that although we’re smarter, it doesn’t translate to greater love, kindness, joy and peace. Instead, one might argue that there’s more disunity, hatred, confusion, chaos, and evil than ever before.
It feels like the light is slowly disappearing from the earth, but that simply cannot be true. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:14-16(NLT), “14 You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” This is who we are as believers who follow the Lord Jesus Christ. We are the lights of the world. It’s an awesome privilege and responsibility, and we should never take it lightly.
God has empowered us through Christ to make a profound difference in the lives of others, but many of us don’t believe this, and it’s why we miss opportunities to be a blessing and therefore miss opportunities to receive a blessing. Jesus Christ tells us that no one that has been empowered with light will put it under a basket, because that just doesn’t make any sense. Lights are supposed to shine; they are to illuminate and dispel darkness. This is what we’re called to do for others. We should be giving light to everyone so that they will come to the Lord Jesus Christ and receive salvation. They can then let their lights shine as well.
We represent Christ in the earth, and with things being as they are today, it can be challenging, but think about what Jesus Christ endured when he walked the earth. He said in John 8:12 (NLT), “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” He came into the earth to rescue us from darkness and to give us victory in every aspect of our lives. He IS the light! Yet, he was despised by many during his ministry. He was mocked, called names, and his life was under constant threat by the very ones he came to save. Jesus Christ endured a kind of pressure that you and I couldn’t possibly fathom, but he never once doubted the power of God. He never allowed any circumstance and condition to dim his light. We shouldn’t either.
The light that shines in us is the love of God in Christ. Yes, life can be challenging, but our Source of comfort and care is unyielding. He said in John 16:33(NLT), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” We must trust this with all our hearts and minds. Jesus Christ made us overcomers through his power, authority, and strength. When we walk in his love, the Lord covers us, and His Spirit guides us so we can continue to be a light in this dark world.
This world is more perilous than any of us could have ever imagined. People are anxious and worried, and their conversations are pessimistic, but we, as children of light, have a message of hope for them. We can’t be shy about telling people that there is an answer in life, and it’s Jesus Christ. 1Peter 1:3(ESV) tells us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” We are born again of God’s Spirit to a hope that is alive! Jesus Christ gave his life as a sacrifice for our sins, but he did not stay in the grave. God resurrected him from the dead and his light will never end. We must remember this every moment of every day, so that we don’t ever pass up an opportunity to shine our light and let it illuminate Christ in the life of someone who needs it most.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Light that Leads to Life”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2022. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.