A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

As I have written in recent weeks, we are living in dark days. The darkness of sin is prevalent in our land. Every newscast seems to reveal even darker aspects of our society.

What should be our response to such times? How should we deal with dark days? The two most common responses are compromise and complaining. Neither are beneficial. In fact, both are counterproductive. Yet many professing believers are guilty of one or both of these responses.

There are some who compromise. In order to please or befriend those in darkness, they fade into the dark themselves, blending in with those who live in darkness. Darkness is not overcome with more darkness.

Others complain about the darkness. I must confess that I have wasted so much time doing this myself. It is not difficult to complain. While many complain, the world keeps getting darker.

There is an answer for dark times. Darkness must be penetrated with light. Light is the only real answer for the darkness we face these days.

Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world.” Since Christ resides within us, His light shines through us to the outside world. We are the light of the world. We don't need to pray that we will be light, for Jesus said we are already the light of the world. However, Jesus did say, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” How can we do this? How does God use us to bring light to this present darkness?

1. BE A PERSON OF INTEGRITY

First of all, be a person of integrity. When we stand clean before God and others, the light of Christ shines brightest. Sin tends to cloud the window of our hearts, keeping the light from shining outward at its greatest intensity. A lack of integrity among church members has managed to damage the credibility of others. God uses people of integrity. The Great Physician chooses to use clean instruments. Keep short accounts with the Lord. Do you have areas of your life that you keep hidden? Do you have closets of sin that you keep closed from others? It is time to open this areas to to the light of God's Word and seek His cleansing. Don't expect the light of your life to be used much if you have hidden areas of darkness yourself. Be a person of honesty and credibility. Be a person of integrity.

2. BE A PERSON WHO INTERCEDES

Secondly, be a person who prays diligently. It has once been said that prayer may not be all we can do, but we can't do much until we pray. Rather than complain about the darkness, pray for those in darkness. We are in a spiritual war. This war cannot be won through human means. This spiritual battle can only be won as we pray. Spiritual victories are often won on our knees in prayer.

3. BE A PERSON WHO INFLUENCES

Finally, be a person who influences others. How does God take ordinary people and use them to influence others? First of all, through their convictions. A person influences others by the convictions he or she has. Those who are unstable in their beliefs are not respected by those around them. It is time for God's people to have strong, Biblical beliefs and live by them. Secondly, ordinary people are used by God to influence others through their compassion. Having a genuine love for others, even your enemies, is a trademark of a genuine believer. Unlike the fickle affection shown by the world, a true follower of Christ cares for others despite their beliefs, lifestyle or actions. While we don't condone their sin, we care about them as people. Finally, an ordinary person is used by the Lord to influence others through their conversations. The communication of truth is unpopular in this age, but it is desperately needed. This world of darkness and lies can only be helped by those who speak and share the truth. The truth of the Gospel is needed today. Those in darkness must come to the Light. As Christians, we've been given the glorious privilege of sharing the life-changing message of Jesus with those who live in darkness.

Some in darkness will be drawn to the light. Others will find the light repulsive and will resist it at all costs. Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

Ultimately every person will spend eternity in a place of utter darkness, or in a city where darkness will never come. Their eternal future is settled by their response, in this life, to the light of the Gospel.

Be a light in the dark.