My heart has been
somewhat focused on light and darkness in recent days. I enjoy seeing how
bringing a little bit of light into a room, an estate, a poetry jam, or a
workplace can change an atmosphere.
Earlier this week,
I found myself working alongside a colleague I hardly come in contact with.
This man is known affectionately by some as the ‘daddy’ of the company I work
in for the simple fact he is older than most of us there and also has a teenage
son. The shift was going as normal until it came time for banking. Now I have
this knack for getting on the wrong side of people during banking time. People
often don’t like the fact I don’t like to cut corners.
Some think this is
because I’m a perfectionist. Others think I’m slightly OCD, and some believe it’s a reflection of my faith which causes me to move ‘righteously’ about such
things. Though I have a few qualms with the OCD part, the other two conclusions are not too far of the mark.
God calls his
people to shine as light in dark places. Though we are not perfect, God has
still placed in us something that is different. The truth is that Christians often
get worried because that difference unconsciously causes some to not like
us, associate with us and even treat us badly for choosing not to go with the
tide. Therefore this may lead to some trying to fit in with the crowd. The
problem is that, through taking successive steps to 'normalise ourselves' and fit in, the light upon us
which was once so attractive slowly begins to dim.
Light can at times
be jarring, unsettling people either for good or bad. As well as some being attracted
to objects of light when they shine, some people hate the light and will do
anything to eradicate it. This may cause them to act in very wicked, demeaning
and hateful ways to its carriers. We
have to be ready for this, and combat such reactions with the love God has put
inside of us. The solemn truth is that the world needs the light we carry.
Without it, they will not be able to find their way to the foot of the cross.
Darkness is
creeping across the face of the earth. Sadly, in our times the issue is not a
lack of light, but that so many who are called to shine lack the courage or the
confidence to shine.
Shining requires us
to be seen and to enter into dark places if we truly want to see our light
affect people. Shining may mean offence and persecution. It may mean men will
hate you and seek to abuse you. People may judge you harshly, simply because
you speak the truth you know from God and refuse to pander to ethical relativism
and public opinion.
Jesus is still
calling us to follow him. He has confidence enough to call both himself and us
‘the light of the world’. The only question is, will we trust his judgement and live the call?
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