"Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 [NASB]
It’s startling when the lights go out. You search for the candles and the torch to light them. You think you’re prepared with flashlights or lanterns only to find that when the lights go out, you are scrambling to find something that can illuminate the darkness.
It seemed to be a calm thunderstorm and lightening show, nothing severe. But suddenly all the lights went out. It was pitch dark. My grandchildren were playing throughout the house. Darkness got their immediate attention.
They screamed, “Grammy, what happened? I can’t see; where are you? Come get me!” “Lights! Lights!” I tried to assure them that they are safe. I found the torch that lit the candles throughout the house. The darkness was dispelled. The kids felt safer and started laughing about how scared they were in the dark.
I thought about the blackness, the darkness, the unrest of not being able to see anything clearly because there was no light. I recalled that sinning is an event of darkness where a life is paralyzed by the inability to see things the way God sees them. Many people feel overcome by this darkness because they have nothing to illuminate their spirits. Sin engulfs people with questions similar to my grandchildren’s, “Help, where you are.” “Help, come get me.” “Where is the light? Lights pleeeeease.”
Christians are to let our lights shine with the light of Jesus to illuminate the way and help repel the darkness of sin. When we do, we will have the joy of a little child who feels safe when the lights are on.
Prayer:
Jesus, help Your light that lives in me be a beacon light that is clear for people to see. For my friends, I pray the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen
