My Daily Pause

When our light shines in a dark world we become very conspicuous!

I love the Bible’s light metaphor!

• Jesus said he is the light (John 8:12, 9:39)
• Jesus called his disciples (us) the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
• Paul called us children of light (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
• John said “God is Light” (1 John 1:5)
• And the light is the only place to have fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-7)

When we consider that living like a Christian makes us conspicuous, we begin to understand the point Jesus was making about the lamp in Luke 8:16-17.

Jesus didn’t come to bring his gospel (literally, his good news) to us to have it hidden away. He has told us that would be as useful has lighting the underneath of our bed with the expectation of being able to see in the rest of the house. (Luke 8:16)

What does that mean for us?

We are expected to do all we can to make sure our light is shining.

• We do this with our lifestyle choices
• We do it with good deeds
• We make sure others are aware of why we do it

And we do this …

… so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

What will happen when I do?

One of two things might happen in the course of “shining our light”:

1. We will make others interested in why we are content
2. We will make others find excuses to not be like us

But don’t worry about #2. Jesus expects that and said as much in Luke 8:18.

We don’t even have to force it

It is very difficult to hide light. By simply living in a way that demonstrates that we have Jesus in us, we will find those who also want to be “in the light.” When that happens, we get to tell them more about Jesus. Once we have done our part, God takes care of the rest! (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6)