"Afraid of the Dark"
Watch
Listen
Read
Are you afraid of the dark? For many, the idea of entering a pitch-black room without a nightlight is terrifying to consider. What's out there? Are you going to step on or trip over something? When the lights are on, our fears subside. But without light, we're left wondering what's lurking in the shadows. It's incredible how just a little light can ease our worries and help us move forward!
We're Cross Training to develop our leadership, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Leadership comes when we follow Jesus, live with meekness, let our lights shine, and shepherd those around us. So how can we illuminate the world around us, pointing them to Christ?
What You Need to Know
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" but then he added, "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Isaiah spoke of the Messiah who would offer light to the nations (Isa. 42:6; 49:7). When Paul quotes that passage and applies it to spreading the gospel, he shows how we carry Christ's light to the world. "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth'" (Acts 13:47).
We see the tragic evils of a lost world all around us (Phil. 2:15). But it wasn't so long ago that you, too, "were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8). We have Christ's light within us, like a bright and glorious treasure shining out of a clay jar (2 Cor. 4:6-7). So God gives us the task of making his goodness visible in the world. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden ... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14, 16).
What You Need to Do
When your good works are on display, check your motives carefully. While Jesus calls us to shine brightly in the world (Matt. 5:14-16), he warns against showing off. He said, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 6:1). Point people to Jesus with your generosity, love, and selflessness, rather than boastfully pointing to yourself. As a good leader, invite people to imitate you — without making it about you at all (1 Cor. 11:1).
If you want to shine brighter, stop complaining or arguing. A Christian who's never satisfied or always fighting with people is like a powerful flashlight without batteries. "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world ..." (Phil. 2:14-16). Remember that your contentment, gracefulness, and easy-going nature can crank up your influence to eleven!
Keep courage when your differences stand out. Those differences give light to others around you and help them find their way. Standing for Christ can get lonely and disorienting (cf. 1 Kings 19:10), especially when you're young. But you're not alone (1 Peter 5:7-10). Find strength for your mission, remembering that everyone around you can find life in Christ, and his life gives light to all (John 1:4). "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).
Through the Week
- Read (Mon) — Matt. 5:14-16; John 8:12-18; Phil. 2:12-18; Isa. 49:1-13; 2 Cor. 4:1-7
- Reflect (Tue) — Do I ever hide or dim my light around others?
- Request (Wed) — "Lord, give me the courage and love to shine" (cf. Matt. 5:14-16).
- Respond (Thu) — Ask an acquaintance what you can pray about for them.
- Reach Out (Fri) — Is there a time you wish you had let your light be seen?
