If you enjoy summer nights as much as we do, most likely you have been outside and suddenly, the darkness sweeps through in the blink of an eye before you even have a chance to recognize that night is quickly approaching, closing out the day’s dawn.
It seems as soon as darkness funnels in to close out the day, bugs, moths, insects of all kinds come creeping out of the shadows.
But have you noticed that those bugs don’t stay in darkness? They are especially drawn to the light.
Moths especially will stop at nothing to seek light, to escape the darkness. Almost as if their internal compasses were made to seek the light. Sound familiar?
Whether you are a man, woman, mother, father, wife, or husband, you have one overarching call on your life, and that is to radiate the light of Christ. You have an internal compass that is drawn to the light of Christ, and the light of Christ in others.
Not the “artificial light” of your accomplishments, success, how many Pinterest worthy crafts you made with your child this week, or how many date nights you went on, you are called to be an example to radiate light within the walls of your home, and to a world that is filled with darkness.
Radiate the Light of Christ
I don’t know about you, but that call to “radiate the light of Christ” has seemed nearly impossible the past few months. Not only have many of us been confined within the walls of our home (at least more than normal), the world has attempted to flood our minds with fear, make what feels like impossible decisions about the future of our children, have walked through job loss, broken dreams, and a marred expectation of reality has been placed before us. But if we pause long enough to see the heart of Jesus in this time, I believe in He is still calling us to walk in the light of HIS LOVE, truth, and radiate that now, more than ever!
Jesus came to show us how to be a light in the darkness.
He left the glory of the Kingdom of Light to come to this earth, knowing full well the path would be filled with darkness, yet left a light-drenched path for us to follow.
And then, he asks us to take part in blazing our own light-drenched path for others to be led to Him through us. He passed the torch to us, knowing full well the things we would experience would tempt us to be led astray and dim our light.
14 “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;15 nor does anyone 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 shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16 AMP
Have there been seasons where we’ve shined unhindered, expressive, as a reflection of the light of Jesus?
Yes, and there have been seasons of that for you, too.
Seasons where my husband sees his wife as a living reflection of Jesus, where our children walk in the light-drenched path we’ve paved for them, leading them into their own path of light with a covering of the King.
And, if I’m being honest, there have been seasons of darkness, where our light seems to be dimmed by the cares, disappointments and brokenness of this world.
And maybe that’s where you are now.
Maybe a string of long days with the kids, working overtime in the midst of a pandemic to implement new policies, daily tasks seem to overwhelm and take your breath away, nagging at your loved ones, scrolling on social media, surfing through Netflix, or rummaging through your pantry looking for anything to give you a temporary glimpse of the light to illuminate the places of darkness that reach deep into your soul. All of these things can be “light suckers” or triggers that can send you into a spiral of overwhelming thoughts, irritability, throwing your emotions out of balance, and dimming the light of Christ in you.
Maybe you’ve even noticed how when you do finally see others outside of the walls of your home, your time is spent complaining, worrying, “venting”, only adding to the darkenss, rather than spreading the Light of Christ.
In a day wherein public we are being mandated to cover up the very thing that can reflect and communicate a joy to a stranger, where we can’t shake a hand, or offer a hug, let your light shine so brightly from within that they will need a shield to hide the light of Christ that exudes within you.
But, we are called to such a time as this!
I have a sticky note on my computer as I am writing these words that say, “FIGHT for your family.” and today, I am asking you, will you do just that?
Will you fight to let the light back into your heart?
Will you fight to let the light back into your home?
Will you fight to radiate the light of Jesus to a world that seems to be flooded with more darkness by the day?
The word of God again promises;
[a]I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” – John 8:12 AMP
The LIGHT OF LIFE.
He is the light giver and he promises that when you walk in stride with him, that you will not walk another step in darkness.
Start here – instead of complaining about the season we are in as a Nation, thank God that His Hand leads, guides, and directs the people put into positions of authority over our Nation.
If you are lonely, go to the only one who can satisfy your hurt.
If your children have been nagging you, look for new ways to serve them in genuine love.
If your spouse has been snapping at you, ask them how you can help them, offer them an expression of love, or sometimes, just look at each other in the eyes.
Ask God to show you the areas of darkness that have overtaken you and been all-consuming.
And then, Light of the World, shine your light.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5