Many years ago I found myself walking off of Fort Hall Hill in the rain and snow, but most importantly...in the dark. The pitch-black overwhelmed my little flashlight. I was wet, cold and miserable as I fought my way through the thick brush. I became discouraged and then disoriented; nothing seemed to be where it should have been! Then everything came into focus and my path opened up ahead of me. Why? My parents had turned on the lights on the back deck of their cabin. Those lights allowed me to get my bearings and set a correct course. They also encouraged me to press on because I knew that those lights represented a place that was warm, dry, and full of love.

"You[all] ARE the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Mat. 5:14-16). Just as we are called to act as salt, we are also called to be light in a world filled with darkness. If we are followers of Jesus Christ - "the true light that gives light to every man" (Jn. 1:9) - we are to live lives that shine God's light; allowing people to get their bearings in the dark, stormy times of life and reminding them that there is a dry, warm place where their Creator waits to welcome them into His love.

Light illuminates whatever is around it. It can make clear what course should be followed; it can increase safety by showing danger. However, the only light that is adequate for the demands of life comes from the true God and Savior, and His truth does not change. Therefore, we are not at liberty to "modify" the light so that it better fits our agenda or our personal feelings. "Consider this: In the darkness, men can shine flashlights on a sundial and make it tell any time they want. But only the sun tells the true time. The flashlights are the changing and fleeting opinions of men. The sun is the eternal Word of God." (From "Deadline" by Randy Alcorn).

But how do we "shine our lights before men"? Jesus makes it clear that it is closely tied with good lives and good works/deeds (Mt. 5:16). Righteous lives can shine light on those around us. The danger here is falling into thinking that in some fashion we are the source of the light. This is as absurd as thinking that the moon shines a light of it's own. In reality, of course, the moon produces no light whatsoever; it only reflects light which comes from the true source - the sun. So it is with God' s people: As long as we are reflecting God's light, all is well. However, as soon as we forget Who we belong to and Whose light it is that we're supposed to be reflecting, we become useless, pompous, prideful fools.

So, as we trust only in the Son, we must step out boldly into life, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to bring glory to the Father. When there is a discussion at the coffee table regarding environmentalism, contribute God's point of view as seen in the Bible. When the instructor states that: "the fossil record clearly shows that this species developed this ability over billions of years," gently assert that this is not fact, but wishful thinking based upon poor science, and that you know the Lord who created it all. When you're logging partner starts complaining about his wife, take the opportunity to express appreciation for the spouse that God has provided you with, and encourage your partner to do the same.

When you feel like grumbling about your boss, think about what that reflects: God's truth or your own sin? When your brother-in-law does you wrong, will you choose forgiveness and let your grudge go? Let God shine His light through you, inviting people to come in out of the rain and into His love, warmth and safety. Let's talk next week about the ability of light to expose .

Until then,........................................ lighten up!