“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”
(John 3:20-21 MSG)
Not much has changed since John penned these words thousands of years ago. We’re still facing a similar crisis today: people are too comfortable living in darkness that they hate to be exposed. We all know someone who will no longer associate with us because our words and actions expose their wrongdoing and call for change. But that should never stop us from continuing to shine our light in the darkness around us. Jesus, the Light of the World, was rejected by many because He exposed the darkness in their lives, but He never ceased to shine His light and He encouraged His followers to do the same. Here’s what He told them:
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Jesus made you a light-bearer, so don’t hide, shine!
Rising with the Son 