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 NKJV)
We all know the importance and value of light. Turn on a light in a dark room and what you could not see before is now made manifest. In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light to dispel the darkness. I pray that today’s word of encouragement will both comfort you who are the Lord’s light, and that it will also challenge you to let your light shine brightly into the darkness of this present age.
Knowing that we are the Lord’s light is an unmatched cosmic comfort. We received this light by way of the unwavering love, unimaginable sacrifice, and unmatched cost to our precious Savior, Jesus Christ. We who were once far off have now been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13), and we have been given the gifts of the Spirit to communicate His grace to a watching world.
But that’s not all! What comforts us must also challenge us. If we are the Lord’s lights, should we not shine so brightly that no one can come near us without coming near to our Lord? The words we say, the deeds we do, and even the expressions on our faces and the tone of our voices should fairly shout the witness of our walk with Jesus to a watching world.
We must remember that we were once groping in darkness until Someone shone His light into our hearts. We were drawn to His light by the power of the Holy Spirit and given the greatest gift the world has ever seen: eternal life in Christ. Now, as the Lord’s lights, we are to shine so brightly that those who currently walk in darkness will be drawn to the Lord’s light. Our words of light should lift others up. Our deeds of light should warm others’ hearts. Our thoughts of light should love others into the kingdom of heaven.
How is it with you today? How brightly does your light shine? Is there anything shrouding your light and making it difficult for others to see Christ in you? Perhaps a critical or unforgiving spirit? Maybe an angry or self-righteousness disposition? We have been given light to be a light to others, and I can tell you from personal experience that there is no greater joy than to know that your light has dispelled the darkness of discouragement, despair, or spiritual death in the lives of others.
Christian, you are the Lord’s light. May your light be a searchlight and not merely a candle.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 