You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
Like me, have you experienced frustration over events and institutions that seem to be spinning out of control? Have you gotten to the point of wanting to unplug so you don’t hear anymore about the chaos? Perhaps. But we can’t disengage.
I’m certain that world events and those things that are happening all around us are no surprise to God. Hebrews 4:13 assures us that “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
In that case, “how then shall we live?” As Christians, we can’t bury our heads in the sand denying the disintegration around us nor can we become angry at the secular world’s behavior. Instead, we are called to be lights—a city on a hill.
With the Light of the World living in us, all we need to do is to shine. We stop avoiding those uncomfortable conversations and stop hiding the glory of God that wants to permeate the darkness around us.
I recently read that a Barna study revealed that less than one-fourth of non-Christians viewed their Christian neighbors with respect. Is the light being hidden or is difficult to even perceive the light from the darkness in those instances?
The Japanese have a saying: If everyone swept his own front yard, soon the world would be clean. Jesus tells us that if we let his light shine through us, it will eradicate the darkness. All we need to do is shine.
It’s really not overwhelming. We can shine with good deeds that glorify our Father in heaven; by helping those God has brought into our circle of influence; by writing (or emailing) our Congresspersons encouraging them to vote or act in God-honoring ways; we can join or form prayer groups that pray specifically for leaders here and abroad; we can volunteer with organizations that positively impact our communities; and we can clean up our own front yard. All we need to do is shine.
Ben Franklin famously said, “Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.” It’s so much easier to criticize and denigrate than to get busy shining and lighting candles.
What to do?
Lord, what an opportunity you’ve given us to show forth your glory and to invite others into your Kingdom of righteousness, joy, and peace. Turn us on, Lord. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
agodforeveryday 