In a world full of darkness (EVIL) how do we become a light that shines brightly for others? The first step is making sure we choose not to live in darkness ourselves. Darkness stops us from understanding Jesus. Throughout our journey we need to remember that darkness cannot overcome the light. We need to be aware of the darkness. We need to choose to live by the truth and be vulnerable.
We only need to read the news or listen to the TV to see evidence that this darkness has been increasing all around us. Mass shootings that are tragic, hate crimes and drug overdoses just to name a few. Amid all this and so much more, the world needs light. (Matthew 5: 14-16)” 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.” God gives a solution to the world’s darkness: you and me. We are meant to be the light that shines for others. The first step to being a light is making sure we choose not to live in darkness ourselves. Darkness can easily seep into our own lives and leave us no different from the world around us. Darkness is a force that keeps us from understanding Jesus, believing in Jesus or wanting to know God. We may blame people or past bad church experiences when we struggle to understand God, but the truth is that when we allow the darkness of the world into our lives, it will blind our hearts from being able to understand both Jesus and the light. Choosing darkness means choosing to handle life in ways that oppose God; for example, we choose darkness when we choose to be resentful instead of forgiving, or deceitful instead of truthful. We choose to use something else to distract us, so we don’t have to think about the truth. But this affects our heart, our relationships, and our lives. Jesus brings the truth, and though at first it may be scary, it is ultimately freeing.
The good news is that even if we have allowed darkness into our lives, the light is more powerful than the darkness. We simply need to choose the light. One key reason we struggle to escape darkness is we don’t admit to ourselves that the world is dark. We don’t recognize the light that Jesus brings, and we think that the world will bring us the light we need. Worldliness can be deceiving. The worlds darkness can creep in and slowly drive Jesus and the light out. Choosing the light starts with honesty about who we are and the peace we truly want. Choosing the light takes courage, but it is the best decision we can make! When we are in the light, it inspires others to be in the light too. There is nobody and nothing else that will lead you safely through the storms of life but the Lord. Isn’t this a good time to look up to God and light your way with God’s light? God who has a master plan for this universe and who holds the whole wide world in His hands. Let Him light your way out of the darkness.
I’ll keep a light on for you,
Rev. Walter Coy
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