SHINE ON

Winston Churchill once said, “I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.” That’s a quote I can relate to since problems and mistakes tend to be my best teachers. For example, I read I should purchase a headlamp for night hikes. I didn’t want to stumble in the dark, so I bought the strongest and brightest one I could find. On the evening of the hike, I turned on my new gadget as soon as the path before me disappeared in the dark. At first, it was glorious. I could see the road in front of me and everything around me.

Unfortunately, every flying insect in Texas could see me as well. It was like I had a porch light on my face. While swatting the bugs away, a more experienced outdoorsman informed me that I needed a red-light filter on my headlamp to minimize exposure. Not having one, I chose to turn my light off. My temporary relief was interrupted when a woman yelled, “Snake! There’s a snake on the trail!” Suddenly, the bugs didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore as I hurried to turn my headlamp back on. The danger of a snake bite overruled my need to be bug-free and comfortable.

This scenario reminds me of our Christian journey and why walking in step with our light source is so important. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world who shines through all who follow Him. Adding to this radiance is God’s word, which illuminates our path, guides, protects, and allows us to embrace eternal perspectives as we walk through this dark world. What a gift!

However, it’s important to note that the light we carry does not go unnoticed in the spiritual realm. The enemy would love to dim our light and hide us in the dark so delusion can rule. He aims to get us off course, distract us, blind us, and render us ineffective. Let’s not let this happen. Instead, we are to radiate God’s glory so the world may see our good deeds and be drawn to Him. With Jesus as our example, we can trust the Father’s plan and remain steadfast. Persecution, pain, fatigue, and temporary heartache didn’t derail Jesus because He looked beyond the cross and focused on the joy found on the other side of obedience (see Hebrews 12:2).

Our victorious Savior got much attention from the demonic realm because He was a threat to the darkness (the brighter the light, the greater the attack). As His followers, we too are in the enemy’s crosshairs, but because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we fight from a place of victory and not for it. When Christians show up and shine, it overwhelms the darkness, exposes deception, and illuminates the correct path for others to follow; and when we unite, the stronger the light. Knowing this, we must refuse to minimize our exposure in exchange for temporary comfort.

Satan, the serpent of old, has poisoned and deceived many in our world and has them walking a dangerous road that leads to death. As Christ’s ambassadors, let’s thwart his plan and chase the darkness away. It may not be easy, but “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18). Soon, we will be able to see clearly (and comfortably) for all eternity, and it will be glorious.

Until then, shine forth in His strength, mighty warrior, and keep the light on!

Pray: Dear Lord, Thank you for being the light of the world who pierced the darkness to rescue and redeem us. In gratitude, may we follow in Your footsteps and brightly shine as we journey home. We love You, Lord, amen.

Think: “Persecution is one of the natural consequences of living the Christian life. It is to the Christian what “growing pains” are to the growing child. No pain, no development. No suffering, no glory. No struggle, no victory. No persecution, no reward.” - Billy Graham