The Darkness

Darkness. The world is in darkness. The tragedy is that they call their darkness "light." As Jesus said, "How great is the darkness!" What is the one thing the darkness needs? Genuine light. Light that glorifies the Father who is in Heaven.

The light of holy living. We are called to be saints, holy ones, set apart ones. We are to live lives distinguished by purity. We are to be distinctive in our walk. As distinctive as light is from darkness. If we are not, we have hidden the light under baskets of conformity. We have become a part of the darkness. We live lives of deceit--to the eternal detriment of those walking in the darkness and in their blindness.

The light of compassion. Visible, undeniable acts of compassion should permeate our lives. We need the compassion that when it looks out over our Jerusalem and all its darkness and hatred for the Light of the World that we are moved--not to anger and condemnation--but to broken-hearted tears. And action. Need-focused acts of compassion.

The light of contentment. We need to demonstrate that we are satisfied with whatever He has given us. We need to live lives that demonstrate that we are confident in His goodness and that if we need more, that He will graciously provide more. We need to refuse to bow down to the materialism of our culture, a culture whose "dream" is financial excess to feed unnecessary wants.

The light of love. True love is founded on, rests on, obedience to God. "Love" that is outside obedience and submission to God's Word is not love at all. Love that flows from obedience to God is the love that can choose not to love the world and the things in the world, can choose to love my neighbor as He loves me, can choose to love my enemies down on my knees in prayer for God to put a desire in their hearts to come to the Light of Everlasting Love. God is love. The fruit of the Spirit is love.

The light of faithfulness. In a world filled with sorrow and heartbreak we must live lives that demonstrate our trust in His love and wisdom. We must--in the midst of our tears--demonstrate that He is the God of all comfort. And that we will rest in Him no matter what. Continue to follow Him no matter what. And then we must be His comforters to others in their times of sorrow.

Men will not respond well to the light. It exposes their willing self-deception. It demonstrates that their "light" is darkness. Yet, we must shine. There are those in the darkness who are groping around looking for the light. With our lives and our words we must bear witness to the Light of the World so that those who are seeking can find Him.

We must be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Yes, being His light is hard work. But it's a labor of love. And it will bring glory to our Father.