Be The Light in 2023

 

BE THE LIGHT IN 2023

As we flip the calendar to a new year, we recognize God’s faithfulness in the past and we trust Him for the future no matter what it holds. Some people say, “the future will be a very dark world.” The culture continues to decline into violence, unrest and moral corruption. In the U.S. the decline of Christianity is evident. Growing number of Americans who were raised Christian are now disaffiliating from the religion.  Fifty years ago, some researchers indicate that 90% of the population identified as Christian. Today, that number is rapidly headed toward 50%. People ask why? The only sensible answer I can come up with is this. When I examine Christianity and the church, I see very little resemblance to what the scriptures teach. Many young people are choosing a different path. So perhaps this future dark world has already arrived or perhaps it has always been? I tend to lean toward the latter.

In John chapter one, the gospel writer tells us about the light coming in to the world, a very dark world. That light refers to Jesus who we recently celebrated being born in the manger.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 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. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  

During the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus says to his followers,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

In the midst of darkness and uncertainty we’re reminded that Jesus calls us, not to hide but to be light in a dark world. The ministry theme for 2023 will challenge us to “Be The Light.”  I admit the world can be a very dark and depressing place. Often that darkness seems to be creeping in around us but I am reminded that through Christ we can dispel the darkness. How do we do this? By letting our light shine. Remember the childhood song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine?” What did you promise to do? Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. I know, sometimes it feels like an uphill battle or a winless battle, but the light of Christ shining through us will make a difference in the dark. We just have to “Be The Light.”

I am reminded of an experience I encountered as a teenager. A group I was with went spelunking into some caves in Indiana. Upon arriving in a rather large cavernous area, our leader asked us to turn off our flashlights. Let me tell you, it was a very dark place. You could not see anyone else or even your own hand in front of your face. Darkness had consumed every nook and cranny of that cave. What I heard next was the strike of a match and I saw our leader lighting a candle. Soon the darkness dissipated. But how could this be? We’re not talking about an oil lamp or lantern, we are talking about a rather small   candle. In this scenario one might say the light shone in the darkness and the darkness was overcome. A singular candle moment was all it took. It didn’t take a huge light for everything to be seen.

In 2023, I invite you to be the light in a dark cavernous world and it doesn’t have to be a huge light. Look for the “candle moments” in your life to shine brightly for Christ. You don’t need to be Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Tony Evans or whomever. Just be yourself. Use your gift (light) in a way no one else can. I know this, in a very dark world your light will be seen!