Even though we’re an old married couple, Valerie and I still try to make every Friday night our date night!
We’d gone out to dinner one evening and when we returned home, we immediately noticed that all of the lights were out, and we were in total darkness! I quickly found some candles, and as soon as we lit a few of them, things changed. We could see each other’s faces and suddenly the fear and apprehension were replaced by a cozy romantic setting. Once we got a little light shining, it made all the difference in the world!
You know, it got me thinking about how we should let our lights shine as Christians in this dark and sinful world. The Lord calls us to be that little light in our dark corner of the world. Maybe you're in a place where dishonesty or talking negatively about others seems to be the norm. When sin is a laughing matter, people don't give much thought to trying to be the light. But you can be the living proof that there is another way; that there's hope, instead of despair. That there's integrity, instead of deceit. There's looking out for others, instead of just looking out for self. You're the light!
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, "You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do people light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it gives light to all in the house, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The thing that Valerie and I noticed when we were in the dark that evening was that it only took a little light to make a big difference! My friend, that's true where you are also! You may not feel like you're making much of a difference, but if you weren’t in that place, it might be total darkness. You and I must realize that we represent Jesus in a dark and sinful world. Our little light can make a big difference!
If it seems like you’re in a dark place, realize that God has trusted you to be His light there. Rest assured that the devil is going to do everything possible to put out your light! He'll push all your buttons to discourage you, to get you to compromise or, better yet, just quit. But let me encourage you not to give in, don't let your light flicker, don’t let your light go out.
It was really dark that night, but Valerie and I learned the value of what a difference a little light can make. You may be that shining light where you are. So, shine on my friend; it would be a dark world without you!
Comentários