Matthew 5:14 “You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
Mark 4:21 He said to them, “A lamp isn’t brought in to be put under a bowl or under the bed, is it? Wouldn’t you put it on a lampstand? 22 Indeed, nothing is hidden, except to be disclosed; and nothing is covered up, except to come out into the open. 23 Those who have ears to hear with, let them hear!”
Luke 8:16 “No one who has lit a lamp covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed; no, he puts it on a stand; so that those coming in may see the light.”
Luke 11:33 “No one who has kindled a lamp hides it or places it under a bowl; rather, he puts it on a stand, so that those coming in may see its light. 34 The lamp of your body is the eye. When you have a ‘good eye,’ [that is, when you are generous,] your whole body is full of light; but when you have an ‘evil eye,’ [when you are stingy,] your body is full of darkness. 35 So take care that the light in you is not darkness! 36 If, then, your whole body is filled with light, with no part dark, it will be wholly lighted, as when a brightly lit lamp shines on you.”
“Christian people, you and I are living in the midst of men and women who are in a state of gross darkness. They will never have any light anywhere in this world except from you and from me and the gospel we believe and teach. They are watching us. Do they see something different about us? Are our lives a silent rebuke to them? Do we so live as to lead them to come and ask us, Why do you always look so peaceful? How is it you are so balanced? How can you stand up to things as you do? Why is it you are not dependent upon artificial aids and pleasures as we are? What is this thing that you have got? If they do we can then tell them that wondrous, amazing, but tragically neglected news, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and to give men a new nature and anew life and to make them children of God, Christian people alone are the light of the world today. Let us live and function as children of the light.”
The world is full of darkness.
It seems the only source of light in this darkness is us. With all of the philosophy and advice in the world, none of it illuminates people’s lives in a way that lights up the darkness.
We are under the impression that more knowledge leads to more light. Look back to the Garden and you can see that is simply not true.
We think we know the problems of our lives but the fact is we really don’t. The darkness is intense. So intense that we, as believers, even struggle with it in a more intimate way than we care to admit.
What is the role of light? It's to expose the darkness.
Not in an investigative, pulling back the sheets kind of way. It’s to show people what is actually going on in the world. We’re not trying to shine light upon death. The light is here to shed light upon life.
What is the difference?
Think of that politician you love to hate. How do you explain their actions?
In darkness: “What a selfish jerk! They don’t care about people. They just care about themselves and protecting their party. We need to get them out of there. I hate that person!”
In partial light: “I really don’t care for their policies and the best way to oust them is to share the truth with others and get this new and improved person in there. We should pray for them.”
Reflecting the Son: “Everyone on the earth has been deceived and is a victim of the Adversary and his ways. These people have no idea what they are doing so why would we expect anything but corruption. Abba, please forgive them for they know not what they do.”
This slight change, oddly enough, brings a comforting peace to a turbulent reality. You are released from judgment and it also helps others focus less on the darkness. It allows the light to begin to shine.
Hold people accountable to truth by not giving access into a critical spirit that fuels the death spiral. No matter how justified the situation may be, it is the darkness that is prevailing. Do not feed it.
Are you that tiny LED light in the bathroom that provides light -- but only when the darkness is extreme?
Or are you headlights on a car that lights up the path just before you?
Or, better still, are you like the moon that reflects the Son in such a way the entire earth is covered in light?
Even though the people around you may be able to see, keep in mind they see nothing at all. Do not be deceived into thinking they are ok. Do not let the charms and rewards of the world convince you they are fine. All people outside of the Kingdom are stumbling and reaching for something to hold them up so they don’t fall. It may be pride or money or status. These are all props.
Put your light up on a stand for all to see. When those around you try to enter into the darkness, shine your light. Bring the perspective of the Messiah to the forefront of the conversation and watch the light kindle in their own lives.
Or put it under a basket and only uncover it when you are around other believers. The choice is yours.
Just know that darkness is the default state of man, and if you aren’t shining that darkness will come to your doorstep.