The world is getting darker. What was wrong is now right. And what was right is now wrong. This world needs Christ more than ever before. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) But as followers of His, sometimes we forget that He also said, “YOU are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) He goes on to say: “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV) I especially like the way the Passion Translation above says, “Don’t hide your light!”

How do we hide our light? We live like everyone else does. We blend in, instead of standing out. We compromise. We talk like the world. We go to the same places that worldly people go to. We watch the same entertainment. When sinners are loud and demanding, we stay silent. We cower in the face of threats from lawless people. We remain inactive as evil marches on. As we watch in horror as Satan and his dark forces take more and more ground, we wonder why God isn’t intervening. Are we waiting on Him, or is He waiting on us?

During a very dark time centuries ago, Isaiah wrote: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2 NIV) I believe this is a word for all of God’s people today, in the midst of the thick darkness that is covering this earth and its people. It’s our time to shine – to stand out, to stand up, to speak up, and to show ourselves to be the soldiers for Christ that we need to be – right here, right now. Scripture says: “You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.” (Philippians 2:15 NLT) In other words, “Don’t hide your light!”

Prayer: Lord, remind me often that I am the light of the world, and that You have equipped me with Your Spirit to let my light shine in front of others wherever I go. Help me to feed on Your Word on a regular basis, so that I will become strong in spirit, and be more resistant to sin. Thank You that as I refuse to compromise with evil in all of its forms, others will praise You because of me!