LIGHT TO THE WORLD
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
I pulled into the small town as I do every week. The speed limit from 75 mph on country roads down to 30 mph makes for an abrupt speed transition. I blew it. I exceeded the speed limit by about 9 mph ☹ I saw the police car do a quick U-turn, the blaring siren was piercing and bright lights lit up my embarrassed face. After pulling over, I gave him the requested information.
After seeing my driver’s license, he remarked that he’d grown up in the town where I live. It turned out that we had numerous mutual friends too. He asked where I was headed, and I told him that I act in a Chaplains capacity each week for the local jail. The tone of the conversation went from firm to gratitude and gratefulness. He thanked me and remarked that there is so much darkness these days. I told him that it is my job to bring light to the dark places. He thanked me and confessed that many in his profession realized that we are, in a manner of speaking, partners. He said that what he does and what folks like me do are necessary for peace and safety in our towns. “We work together to build a better society,” he said.
I handed him my personal business card and told him that he has my prayers. The heaviness of his work and occupation was apparent as he spoke. His lights were a warning to me – follow – obey the signs. My light to him was different. Jesus reminds us that we are light, we are the light of the world until he returns. Light is used to symbolize God, faith, and holiness throughout Scripture. As Christians, we are called to not only walk in the light but to be the light for others.
We must reflect the light of Christ (John 8:12). Do I walk as Christ did, do I obey his teachings and follow his example of obedience to God and his word? Do I bring a message of love, hope, joy and peace to those around me? It is such a sobering thought and yet it is only Christ in us that gives us strength to do so – to be light in a dark world.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)