Light and Lord Shine

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),  and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.  For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

‘Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you…’

 “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is…  Be filled with the Spirit,  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:3-14,17-21

“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.” Philippians 2:15

Night falls gradually, slowly deepening the spreading dark shroud over the remainder of the gloaming, opening the curtains of heaven. Ah, the stars, dots poking the black, over long moments popping more and more to reveal the milky galaxy. Horizon to horizon the smatter of heavenly lights twinkle, overcoming all that would be bleak and black.

How dark is the world when all we look at is the dark. Callousness, prurient affections unchecked, flagrant immorality, and vicious hatred make for a stew of despair if that is all we see. Slogging through days with such focus weighs us down with circumstance and complaint, and causes us to criticize and grouch.

But with Christ in us, the sure hope of glory, the longer we gaze at the dark the more light we can see. We expect dots of the Lord’s mercy and promise. We are humbled before His handiwork, and love. We spot evidence of His redeeming presence and more and more light appears, a galaxy now of glory. (Psalm 8:3-4; Colossians 1:27)

In our dark culture, do we surrender to discouragement, or determine to spread light? How can the Spirit in us add sparkle to otherwise dismal scenes in our communities and workplaces? How can we punctuate darkness with words and works that elevate conversation, encourage goodness, and uplift the soul?

Father, may Your light so shine through me that others behold Your goodness and glory, and praise You. (Matthew 5:14-16)