This Little Light Of Mine

As Christians we have a unique opportunity each day to point people to something that is bigger than ourselves. The love of Jesus Christ, displayed in His dual nature (fully human, yet fully divine) is an attribute we strive to put on display. We have a task set before us to consistently and deliberately shine His light in dark places.
 
As I was thinking about this post, I had the image of dark room pop into my head and felt led to use it as an illustration. For the sake of discussion, picture yourself in a place of total darkness. A place where no light is apparent. Darkness so thick that you cannot even see your hand in front of your face. It’s a little unnerving, isn’t it? If you’ve ever been in a physical place of total darkness, it can really start to make you feel anxious, alone and without hope.
 
Now imagine a candle being lit in the room. Instantly there is light and a sense of clarity returns. Imagine another candle is lit from across the room. Again the idea of depth and space continues. As more and more candles get introduced to the room, faces and distinct features become visible. The darkness is still there but the light has become strong enough that it offsets the blackness. (If you’ve ever experienced a candle-light service on Christmas Eve, you know what I mean!)
 
Here’s the spiritual parallel: into this world, we are bringing our “candles” and our unique amount of light to each circumstance we enter. Picture the darkness around you just like that room and then consider the idea that you can illuminate the light of Jesus and His presence into the despair. In the workplace where a co-worker is dealing with depression. Into the neighborhood where the husband and wife next door are contemplating divorce. Into the classroom where a victim of bullying goes home to cut herself at night.
 
It might seem these days like the darkness and evil around us are at an all-time high. There are so many headlines pointing to rampant evil. Often as Christians, I think our natural response is to run into the corner and cut ties with the world. We can deem the lostness around us as too far gone; beyond hope and even beyond God’s reach.
 
But we are not called to separate ourselves from the world in a way that makes life “us vs. them.” No, we are called to push back the darkness and proclaim truth. Change in this world can seem daunting when we think of it on a macro-level (whole cultures and societies). But I don’t think God calls us to worry about the macro…He’s got the big picture. He’s asking each of us to advance change in our sphere of influence (the micro level); to the lives we encounter on a daily basis. When we do, we become light-bearers and displayers of truth. Truth can outshine darkness and the light can expose deeds which then have no power. Little by little, the lights shining everywhere grow into a brightness that cannot be ignored.
 
The enemy would love for darkness to continue. He thrives on it and sin pervades where darkness abounds. But for each one who shines a light, Jesus is ultimately displayed. It was Him who John spoke of in his gospel:
 
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4,5
 
Remember the Sunday school song, This Little Light Of Mine? It’s amazing to think how a seemingly trite song can be so true and so applicable even as grown adults. It’s lyrics I leave you with here and I encourage you (as I do myself) to let our lights shine so that the world cannot help to take notice.
 
God bless!
 
I can be reached at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com
 
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.
 
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.
 
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

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