Being Light to the World

How to Be the Light in a World of Darkness

a devotion from Sarah Ruut

“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5, NIV

“You are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16, NIV

The rain came down in sheets, and thunder rumbled loudly overhead. The lightning lit the water for brief glimpses, but not enough for the ship’s captain to make out the shore. Yet he knew they were getting close.

There, blinking in the distance through the storm, was a light. Unlike the lightning, this light was consistent and comforting. It was the lighthouse on the shore.

Just as the lighthouse brings comfort to sailors, guiding them safely away from the rocks that will destroy their ships, we are called to be the light to the world around us.

This life we live is fraught with danger. Our culture contains so many pitfalls and stumbling blocks. We are to be the light, to help others see the dangers they’re walking into. Hopefully, we can spare them the pain and difficulty of a crash.

But what does it actually look like to be the light?

When a loved one is choosing to walk in sin, do we sit quietly and pray for them? Praying for them is good, no doubt. But we need to be the light. We need to speak the truth in love to warn them of the dangers they are headed toward.

When friends invite us to join them in watching a movie that is dishonoring to the Lord, do we join in without a word because we want to build the relationship? Or do we gently point out the objectionable content (rocks on the shore) that we would prefer not to watch (run into)?

What about a worldview that is inconsistent with what the Bible teaches? Perhaps the idea of, “You do what’s good for you, and I’ll do what’s good for me.” Do we hold our tongues, or do we speak the truth in love?

What if speaking up and being a light costs us the relationship?

The Bible does say that, as much as it is up to us, we are to live at peace with those around us. We shouldn’t go around stirring up trouble. But that doesn’t negate the call to be a light.

Ultimately it comes down to presentation. Being a light doesn’t involve arguing to make a point. Just as a light simply is, we can stand with the truth, as an example, in love, without creating conflict. That doesn’t guarantee there won’t be conflict stirred by the other side, but we aren’t responsible for someone else’s behavior.

What if no one is watching?

The lighthouse light never goes out. In fact, the light keeper makes sure of that! In the same way, our light should never go out. Our behavior should be the same whether there are people watching us or not. Because the reality is, we never know when someone may be watching. We should always keep the light lit.

As you go about your day, may I challenge you to be a light? Your community needs you!

Lord, I thank You for the privilege and responsibility you’ve given us to be a light to those around us. I ask You to guide us as we seek to reflect You in our lives and to guide others safely to You.

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~

About Sarah

Sarah Ruut is an avid reader of Christian fiction when she’s not busy homeschooling her four tweens and teens. She also runs two blogs where she hopes to connect with people right where they are. She loves sharing about books and their authors on her blog, Fiction, Faith, and Fun, where you’ll find reviews of Christian fiction, interviews with amazing authors, giveaways and more! 

She also offers encouragement for this Christian life at Breaking Ordinary. 

You can connect with Sarah on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.