“But the path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).
An old but well remembered commercial of a hotel chain promised, “We’ll keep the lights on for you.” This seemed to assure a place of rest for the weary traveler and a warm welcome no matter how late they arrived. What a comforting thought.
It’s true. Light is inviting.
I don’t know about you, but I feel uncomfortable driving up to a completely dark house. Darkness can seem forbidding and perhaps even unsafe. That’s one reason I installed landscape lighting so the front of my house is covered in light all night long. I want it to look alive, inviting, and safe.
The Bible contains many scriptures which speak of light and its importance in fighting back the darkness. Jesus tells us in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (English Standard Version). The darkness referred to in this verse speaks of wickedness and sin, not physical darkness. I Peter 2:9 says we were called out of darkness into His marvelous light. That sounds so warm and inviting. He beckoned us, called us, to His light. He came into our dark world to save us from sin.
I think most of us recognize that our world is indeed a dark place. It has now reached the point that I dread, or even ignore, reading the daily news. It seems filled with crime, out-of-control anger, stories of horrible addictions, and acts of pure evil.
But where the night is darkest, the light shines brightest.
As a child of God, we become a beacon of light to those around us. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (English Standard Version).
Yes, it’s true that our world is filled with sin and despair, but hopefully we will “keep the lights on” for those weary travelers who need a place of security and rest. We can offer hope and a bright path to those stumbling in darkness and needing a Savior. Keep your light burning brightly so it can overcome the darkness.
“That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:15-16, ESV).
Prayer: Lord, You have called me into light and to be light. I live in a world filled with sin and despair. I am surrounded by lost souls who are floundering in the darkness. Let the light You have placed in my life shine brightly into the darkness so that men and women will find their way to salvation. Help me to never be content just to live in the joy of Your light myself, but may I always strive to share that light with those around me.
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