For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:8)
Have you ever tried to stop light from spreading?
Perhaps you’ve put your hand over a flashlight in a dark room, but the light still spilled out around your fingers, causing them to glow pink in the thinner spots.
You could always try putting a bucket over the flashlight, but would the light really be gone? Not at all. The inside of that bucket would still be lit up even if you couldn’t see it from the outside.
The light of Christ has this same effect within you. You used to be full of darkness, but now that you are in Christ, His light is illuminating your heart and giving life to your soul. Whether you can see it or not, it’s there. And nothing will ever be able to shut it off.
However, just like the flashlight, it’s up to you whether you share it with others. You can keep it hidden, or you can allow it to shine on those around you. Jesus made it pretty clear what He is hoping you will choose:
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:15-16).
So don’t hide God’s light. Let it shine! Love others with the love of Christ. Offer the same grace and forgiveness that He offered you.
Be a beacon of hope for those who are still wandering in the darkness.
After all, isn’t that what it means to live as people of light?
