Give children flashlights in a dark place, and they will be entertained for a long time. Light has amazing properties. It travels about 186,000 miles per second. It is also powerful—especially when we speak of the Light of Jesus Christ, “the Light of all people” that shines into and overcomes the darkness of our world: In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5).
Jesus calls us to be light, to shine like stars in the world. (Philippians 2:15). How do we do that? Eugene Peterson, in THE MESSAGE, states Philippians 2:15 this way: “Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.”
Mother Teresa shone for Jesus in the darkness of poverty in India. A friend who spends time with the dying and their families is light in the darkness of pain and grief. The mentor to a fatherless child is a light in the darkness of loneliness and bewilderment. The worker who takes time to listen to a coworker and offer support is a light in the darkness of discouragement and despair.
There are many ways to be a light for Jesus. May our lives shine so brightly through Christlike behaviors and attitudes that others will ask where our life and love come from—and of course the answer is Christ, our Savior.
For Your Reflection:
- Is your light shining brightly for Jesus? If not, what has caused it to be dim?
- In what ways can your light shine brightly in this time of the pandemic?
(ALLEN & LYNN LIKKEL)