If you watch/listen to the news, it is hard not to think of the world as a dark place.  If you watch how people act and react around you, it again seems to be a dark world.

What can we do about it?

John 9:5 tells us that Jesus said, “‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’”  He was pointing everyone to God.  He was showing the world what could be.  He was preparing to die in our place, so we could have salvation and freedom.

But He also said in Matthew 5:14-16, “‘You are the light of the world.  A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’”

Jesus was the light of the world.  But He also said that His followers were the light as well.

Think about that.

If you are the light of this world, Jesus’ light has to shine from and through you.

There is something special about a person who seems to have a sparkle in their eye, a glow around them, and a joy that can be seen.  People are drawn to those who are radiant – to those who shine.

When you look at the disciples after the Resurrection of Jesus, it is easy to see that they had that radiance.  They drew people to God because God was shining through them.

Can that be said of you?

Even on our bad days, we can still shine – and it doesn’t have to be fake.  We simply must trust Him more, lean on Him more, and live for Him more.  We have to give Him control.  And then He will use you, and others will see Him in you.

When people were hurting, Jesus helped them.  When people were aimlessly living life, He explained how they could find real life.  Though many did not understand the Bible and only focused on what they wanted for themselves, He showed them what God’s truth actually is.  Though many were lost and head to Hell, He showed them the path to Heaven.

The disciples continued that and shined God’s light all over the world.

Our world clearly needs that light today, too.  And God has placed you and me here at this time to be a beacon of light in your community.  We must help hurting people.  We must help people find real life.  We must show people how God’s Word applies to life.  We must point people to salvation.

We must be the light.

We can be the light.

Will you ask God to help you shine?

Craig Groeschel wrote an interesting book on being hope in the dark. Check it out…