Joy in the Darkness

I had a dream a while back that it was getting dark outside. I was driving a car and realized the peril we were in. No one had their headlights on. It was chaos! People were running over the curbs. Cars were smashing into each other at every turn. I knew I needed to switch my headlights on so I could see where I was going and others could see me and not run into me. I knew everyone else needed to have their lights on too. I put my head out the window and shouted, “Turn your lights on! Turn your lights on!” That was the end of the dream.

That dream has stayed with me as I have watched our world descending into darkness. The headlines over the last two years capture this descent…. isolation brought on by lockdowns, fear and mistrust because of a pandemic that knows no boundaries, the threat of nuclear war, inflation, lawlessness, scarcity of essential goods. Our world is indeed growing darker and darker. What can you and I do against this rising tide?

We need to make sure our lights are shining. Jesus said it this way, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16. But exactly how do we do this? What are our “good works”? What are some practical things we can do to switch our lights on?

One of the ways our lights shine is when we follow the Lord in the little, hidden places of our lives. Our light shines when we walk in forgiveness toward someone who has hurt us. Our light shines when we seek reconciliation in a broken relationship. Our light shines when we let peace rule in our hearts. In Philippians 2 Paul gives us a few more concrete things we can do to let our lights shine. (If you want to dig deeper for more ways to let your light shine, check out Romans 12 and Colossians 3.)

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit… do not merely look out for your own personal interests but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4. Isn’t it interesting that our generation is the generation of selfies? We are absorbed with self. Paul’s instruction is to get your eyes off yourself and regard others as more important.

Walk in humility. Philippians 2:5-11. This is truly counter-cultural living. Our world tells us to be an influencer, make more money so you have more power, become successful and famous. Philippians 2 says walk in humility. Jesus is our model. He was God Himself but He didn’t demand royal treatment. He humbled Himself even enduring the indignity of death on the cross. Jesus shows us how to walk in humility.

Obey God. Philippians 2:12. Don’t just believe God’s word in your head, put it into action in your life.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Philippians 2:14. Ouch! We must watch the words we use, the attitudes we hold.

Be blameless and innocent. Philippians 2:15. We cannot be sinless but we can be blameless. When we sin we can deal with it before God in confession and repentance and we will experience forgiveness.

Be above reproach. Philippians 2:15. The world is watching, don’t give an opportunity for the reputation of Christ to be defamed.

Hold fast the word of life. Philippians 2:16.

Our world is growing darker. We can’t turn off the darkness, but we can let our lights shine!

“Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you appear as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15

Heavenly Father as the world grows darker help us to let our lights shine. May our thoughts, words and actions bring you glory this day. Turn up the light within each of us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen