LIVE IN THE LIGHT
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
I love a good story. Whether historical, mysterious or romantic, there's a fundamental theme that drives the action and motivates the characters: good versus evil, light versus darkness. As stories unfold, there's an undeniable thrill when darkness is overcome by light, exposing truth and offering hope. The valiant prince defeats the enemy and claims his bride. Forces of destruction are disarmed, and peace is restored. Stories remind us of a fundamental truth: darkness does not negotiate surrender. Darkness is forced to surrender. At creation, God separated light from darkness because darkness cannot dwell where light exists.
Paul writes in Ephesians, For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. How, then, do we live as people of light? We pursue holiness by imitating God in everything we do. Just as light expels darkness, holiness casts out evil. When we receive salvation, God gives us the Holy Spirit, the light within us that guides us toward holiness.
Every day offers opportunities to let Christ's light shine through our words, what we listen to, and how we respond to difficult situations. Each requires a choice: will we shine in the darkness or retreat into what sometimes feels more comfortable? God didn't call us to live in comfort; He called us to live in the light. Light exposes lies and dangers hidden in darkness. Living as people of light means allowing goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and forgiveness to become the visible pattern of our lives.
APPLICATION: What area of your life is operating in darkness? If you feel protective of something or choose to keep it hidden, perhaps God wants to shine His beautiful light and reveal His truth there. Ask the Lord to expose the darkness in your heart so you can walk more fully in His light.
PRAYER: Lord, give me an awareness of the darkness I may be harboring. Expose those areas in my heart and life that do not reflect Your light. Call me out into the light so I can live a life that honors and pleases You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?