Ephesians 5:11 – 14 “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ ”
Have you ever switched on a light in a room that has been dark for a long, long time? Often, the light exposes some pretty ugly things. When it is dark, all kinds of nasty creatures like to come out and play. Rats, mice, bats, and cockroaches have parties in dark places. Yuck. Mold accumulates. Double yuck. Even bad, sinister people like to do their business in dark places. Darkness hides the things nobody wants to see.
But when you flick on that light, all the little nasty creatures scurry. They don’t like the light. They don’t like to be exposed. When you shine light on mold, it will often dry out. And when you expose people’s sinister deeds, they tend to stop misbehaving.
Friends, we are called to reflect God’s light in this world. By living to please God, we shine His light and expose the dreadful things that take place in the darkness. By shining His light, we cause all the sinful, shameful things of this world to scurry.
That is why it is so important to allow God’s light to be reflected in our lives. While evil is represented by darkness, God is light. By shining His light, we make the world a better place. And we allow people, who have been stumbling around in the darkness, to find their way, and to feel the hope that only God can offer.
If you are still living in darkness, God wants you to wake up. If you are already living in God’s light, God wants you to continue to draw near to Him, so that His reflection will shine brighter and brighter. Remember, where there is light, darkness cannot exist. And where God is, Satan doesn’t want to be. He runs and hides!
So shine with me, my friends. Shine.
Dear Father, Help me to live in such a way that people see You. Help me to shine, so that the bad things of this world hide, and people can find Your hope.
Amen
Renae, you indeed shine! You and your writing are bright lights for the Kingdom!
Thanks, so much, Alyssa. That is my prayer. I think you’re pretty shiny, too!
–r
I think it’s great how one tiny little candle flame can lighten up a dark room – maybe only enough for you to see just in front of you. But once the flame is lit, all the darkness in the room can’t blot it out.
So true, Jackie. Just think how bright it would be if we all let our little flames shine!
–r
I’m shining with you, girl.
I’m shining with you.
Let’s hold that lantern high, though it be just our own small piece of the Light.
And soon the path will shine with millions of tiny, twinkling pieces of light.
To show the way for all life’s travelers who are lost and alone.
Love,
jlo
Judi, imagine how great that must look from the sky! 🙂 Bet it makes God smile.
–r
Do you know this one?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr5Y63bDNNg
Oh, that is one of my favorites, and it’s perfect here! Thanks, Jackie!
Everybody, be sure and click on the link above.
–r
Dear Renae,
Well, be my lamp but tiny, I will gonna let it shine.
Thanks for encouraging.
Felisol
Felisol, even the smallest light can be seen from far away, when all is dark.
Keep shining!
–r