Glowing in the Dark
by Skip Heitzig |When you go outside at night, notice how bright the stars are. Then think of this truth from Daniel 12:3. "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever."
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Some Christians are like candles. They have a warm, inviting glow that draws people toward them. Some are like flashlights; they point the way out of darkness. And some are like what I used to do when I was a little kid. I would wait for passing cars and I would take a little mirror and I'd flash the sun into their eyes. I know; that's a terrible thing to do! But believers can sometimes be like that--"in your face" and obnoxious.
When Paul wrote the Philippians, he was telling them (and us) to love another and serve one another. Why? Because the world is watching; they're scoping us out. So instead of blending in, we should stand out. "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15).
The world is not getting any better. It is desperately in need of Christ. Because it is crooked and perverse, we are a contrast. We stand out in the darkness around us. Light has to be seen to be effective. You don't hide it under a bushel. And there's no such thing as a "secret agent" Christian. If you're really following Jesus Christ, it will be evident.
We're not the source of the light. We're like the moon, reflecting the light of the sun, which is Jesus Christ (see John 9:5). And light reveals what the darkness conceals, including the flaws in people's lives, which is one reason Christians can be unpopular. So we need to be careful how we show our light.
But most importantly, light shows the way out of darkness. So instead of shining the light in people's eyes, glow. And in order to glow in the dark, you need to get recharged often from the light source. You need to have fellowship with the Son if you want to shine like the moon. Advertise your faith to the world by having affection for others. Grumbling, complaining Christians keep others from the Gospel.
So are you telling people about Christ? Are you shining? Are you glowing in the dark?
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Some Christians are like candles. They have a warm, inviting glow that draws people toward them. Some are like flashlights; they point the way out of darkness. And some are like what I used to do when I was a little kid. I would wait for passing cars and I would take a little mirror and I'd flash the sun into their eyes. I know; that's a terrible thing to do! But believers can sometimes be like that--"in your face" and obnoxious.
When Paul wrote the Philippians, he was telling them (and us) to love another and serve one another. Why? Because the world is watching; they're scoping us out. So instead of blending in, we should stand out. "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15).
The world is not getting any better. It is desperately in need of Christ. Because it is crooked and perverse, we are a contrast. We stand out in the darkness around us. Light has to be seen to be effective. You don't hide it under a bushel. And there's no such thing as a "secret agent" Christian. If you're really following Jesus Christ, it will be evident.
We're not the source of the light. We're like the moon, reflecting the light of the sun, which is Jesus Christ (see John 9:5). And light reveals what the darkness conceals, including the flaws in people's lives, which is one reason Christians can be unpopular. So we need to be careful how we show our light.
But most importantly, light shows the way out of darkness. So instead of shining the light in people's eyes, glow. And in order to glow in the dark, you need to get recharged often from the light source. You need to have fellowship with the Son if you want to shine like the moon. Advertise your faith to the world by having affection for others. Grumbling, complaining Christians keep others from the Gospel.
So are you telling people about Christ? Are you shining? Are you glowing in the dark?
In His strong love,
Skip Heitzig
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