Be the Light!

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

If we have to walk right, we need light.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).  If we follow Jesus, we have the light of life!  Paul says there is a connection between evil and darkness and good and light.  Darkness kills, and light gives life.  Seeds need light to grow, and light produces fruit.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”  Peter says, once we were ‘in’ darkness, the Lord called us out of that darkness and ‘into’ His light!

Paul introduces a profound concept in Ephesians 5:8, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light.” He reminds us that we were darkness before the Lord saved us.  But after being saved, we are transformed into light!  This revelation from Ephesians 5 filled me with awe.  

In the world, light and darkness exist side by side.  What does light do to darkness?  Light dispels darkness!  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has no power to overcome the light.  That is why Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Whether we realize it or not, we have the power to make the world a darker place or a brighter place.  Our lives are the embodiment of our light!  We should strive to dispel the darkness of evil and unbelief and bring comfort by reflecting the light of Christ.  This responsibility empowers us to be active agents of change in the world!

This song by Chris Rice captures this thought beautifully:

There is a candle in every soul

Some brightly burning, some dark and cold

There is a spirit who brings a fire

Ignites a candle and makes his home

So carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the helpless, confused and torn

Hold out your candle for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world

My friend, be the candle lighting up the corner where you live.  Though we have no light on our own, the light of Christ shining through us will drive away the darkness. Live like the light of Christ wherever God has placed you.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, make me a light that shines for Jesus in this dark world.  May Your love shine through me and touch the hearts of those in need.  Amen.

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