Be the Light
Dear Friends,
We are so thankful to God for the wonderful baptismal service we experienced in August. Many in our congregation were touched by the Lord’s life-transforming work.
As the summer is coming to a close and the children have returned to school, we are now stepping back into our normal routines. The upcoming seasons of fall and winter offer us many opportunities to reconnect with others and to meet new friends. Let us remember to shine the light of Jesus upon those walking in darkness.
Bearing the Light of Jesus
Benjamin Franklin once recognized that light could change his city. Instead of giving speeches or trying to persuade others with words, he hung a lantern outside his home, faithfully polished its glass, and lit it every evening. Neighbors walking the dark streets were drawn to its warmth and usefulness. Before long, others placed lanterns outside their homes, and eventually, the entire city began to glow with light.
What Ben Franklin did for Philadelphia is a picture of what Christ calls us to do in the world. Jesus declared in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When we follow Him, His light shines through us. And just as Franklin’s lantern guided travelers through the night, the light of Jesus in us guides people out of darkness and into the hope of salvation.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:15 to “shine as lights in the world” amid a crooked and dark generation. Notice—Paul doesn’t say to argue people into faith or overwhelm them with words. Instead, like Franklin, we shine by living faithfully day after day:
through kindness when others are harsh
through integrity when the world cuts corners
through love when others choose indifference
through hope when others see only despair
Even the smallest light has power in the darkest place. A single flame can be seen far off in the night. And when believers join together, our collective witness becomes like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).
So, what does this mean for us today? It means that every act of obedience, every word of encouragement, every display of Christlike love is like placing a lantern outside our door. People are watching, and they are drawn to the light. Some will even catch the flame and begin to shine themselves.
Where can you shine the light of Jesus this week—at home, at work, in your neighborhood, or even in a simple act of kindness to a stranger? There are many opportunities to do so. We can also reveal the light of the Lord through His Word: “The unfolding of Your [glorious] words gives light.” Psalm 119:130 (AMP)
Let us thank and praise our Lord:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the “Light of the World.” Help me to shine Your light faithfully in my words, my actions, and my relationships. Use my life as a beacon that draws others out of darkness and into the joy of knowing You. May my light join with the light of my brothers and sisters in Christ, so together we reflect Your glory in this world. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and your family with His peace, presence, provision and health in the coming season!
Pastor Paul