If we are to give off light, that light must live within us. Can we say that it is possible to have darkness inside and give off light? Satan was able to convince Adam and Eve to disobey God? He appeared interesting, knowledgable and very convincing. Scripture says he was “an angel of light.” We must exercise caution and discernment daily that we may recognize the difference between light and dark.
To “turn” the light on within requires a bit of remodeling. We first must flood the heart with a belief in Christ. Darkness flees when Christ enters. So, we have welcomed Christ in to our remodeled heart. There is no place for darkness to abide or live. Will it pass through occasionally? I can say in my own experiences, yes it will pass through. There is the darkness that comes when we are in trials and difficult days. That is different from the darkness of evil thinking and actions. That kind of darkness cannot abide where Christ lives.
Don’t we occasionally overact to situations and lose patience for a moment? Don’t we also know immediately, when we have dimmed our light? Most generally we know instantly that we have reacted inappropriately as representatives of the love of Christ. A correction is necessary.
I have personally proclaimed while going out the door in the morning, that nothing is going to cause me to lose my patience with people and situations. That is almost like putting a target on my back. The demons of darkness arrive to change my plans. Over the years, through experience, I have tried to master holding my tongue and my thoughts, quickly take counsel with the Lord, reboot and address my “situation” in a light-giving way. I have failed miserably at times. Haven’t we all had those times when we react inappropriately while handling a difficult issue? It is those times that we learn and understand why light is better. That experience will help us with future encounters.
The light you have inside from your relationship with Christ comes out in the forms of grace, kindness, compassion and love to name a few. It is a moment to moment effort to “walk as children of the light.” Our union with Christ gives us eyes to see and discern good from evil, light from darkness.
It is better to approach people and situations with grace and kindness. In doing that we are lifting that basket and letting our lights shine in a dark world! Sooner or later you will see the blessings from leaving your light on for Jesus!!
Thought For Today:
Is there someone or something that compromises the light you give off? Let us pray that God helps us resolve the issues so that we can move forward with the light of Christ.
Scriptures For Today:
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 5:8-11
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.(NKJV)
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.(NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! Thank you for sending Jesus. We have a perfect example to follow in how to let our light shine for goodness. Lead, guide, guard and protect each one as we go out today. We pray our lights shine brightly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Matt. 6:22 says, “When your eye is good, the whole body is filled with light.” When my dear daddy began to fail, the light gradually faded from his eyes. He had beautiful eyes that sparked with humor or mischief, that glowed with love. When he praised God, he raised his hands and his eyes shone bright with his love for the Father. I miss those brown eyes, but I see them in the eyes of my children and those of his grandchildren and great-grands. Daddy’s light lives on!
Yes it does!! He was such a wonderful strong example for all of us to pattern our lives after. Such a good, good man.