I’m not sure why, but the good Lord opted to awaken me early this morning. I checked my watch and it was around 6am. Since I was already awake, I decided I would get a run in before the busyness of the day set in. But, I figured I would wait a little while to give the sun some time to rise. At approximately 6:30am, I finally got out of bed and got ready, believing the sun would be breaching the horizon by the time I was ready to hit the street. Alas, when I made my way down the stairs the darkness remained. While I was wide awake and ready to get going, the sun was sleeping in. So, I was forced to break out my light vest.
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world.”
Beyond enabling me to push the boundaries of fashion, my light vest allows me to illuminate my immediate surroundings everywhere I go; It turns me into a human glow-stick. This accomplishes at least two important purposes. First, it allows me to see where I’m going. There are more than a few hazards on the sidewalks and streets around Seymour. Turning an ankle or taking a nosedive into the pavement would counteract the desired effect of the exercise. It would most certainly have an adverse impact on the quality of my day. Second, my light vest allows oncoming drivers to see me so they can avoid hitting me. Getting clipped by a neighbor’s car or truck would result in a very bad day for all parties involved. My vest allows me to light up the darkness in an effort make the day a little better for everyone.
As I made my way along, lighting up the streets of Seymour everywhere I went, it occurred to me that this is a simple, but clear picture of the effect followers of Christ should have in the world. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world.” A relationship with Jesus should have a similar impact on the lives we live as my light vest has on my morning runs.
Few would argue that these are not dark days… A dark night of the soul has settled in and extra light sources are necessary.
Few would argue that these are not dark days. Division, distrust, and destruction dominate our daily experiences. A dark night of the soul has settled in and extra light sources are necessary. As followers of Christ, we are that light. We should seek to live and speak the truth of the gospel consistently and compassionately. We should attempt to extend the love and grace that Jesus has shown us to everyone who crosses our path. This is how we light up the darkness, providing a path others can safely follow, and will want to follow.
Our presence and activity in the world should have a decidedly positive impact. When others interact with us, it should improve their outlook and experience, at least for that moment. The world should be just a little bit brighter and the day just a little bit better when we pass through a place. So, shine brightly and make someone’s day better today.
I love this