Being light
This 'light' analogy has always fascinated me. Jesus calls us 'light' and tells us to take that light into the world. He's assuming we understand that there is darkness without him. He's assuming we understand that when we follow him, when we carry his Spirit in us, our movement into the world will bring His light.
It's interesting to think about the different streams within the church, and how they react to these assumptions. We're either taking the light into the world, or we're not, right? And let's not get caught up in what exactly 'carrying the light' looks like. It can take on as many forms as there are people.... we all have different gifts and recognize different needs around us. So, what would be the reason for a Jesus- follower to NOT do this? Why would such a person NOT be bringing light to the world around them?
As best I can tell, it would come down to two things:
(1) not believing there is darkness
(2) not believing we carry Light
Another possible answer is 'fear', but the story behind our fear usually comes down to one of these same two things, right? Think about it. When you are afraid to step out and carry Jesus' light into the world around you, what have you stopped believing?
It's interesting to think about the different streams within the church, and how they react to these assumptions. We're either taking the light into the world, or we're not, right? And let's not get caught up in what exactly 'carrying the light' looks like. It can take on as many forms as there are people.... we all have different gifts and recognize different needs around us. So, what would be the reason for a Jesus- follower to NOT do this? Why would such a person NOT be bringing light to the world around them?
As best I can tell, it would come down to two things:
(1) not believing there is darkness
(2) not believing we carry Light
Another possible answer is 'fear', but the story behind our fear usually comes down to one of these same two things, right? Think about it. When you are afraid to step out and carry Jesus' light into the world around you, what have you stopped believing?
