Growing the LIght
Do you have the light of life?
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."- John 8:12
Jesus tells us that if we follow him, we have the light of the life and we will never walk in darkness.
What does that mean?
Does it mean we will see everything and everyone clearly? Will we face every obstacle without fear? Will our days and nights be warm and comfortable?
Will I be able to see where I am and where I am going?
It would be nice if it is all of these things. But I wonder if it is the light that gives us these abilities or if we have work to do as well.
The disciples who walked with Jesus had questions. They didn't always see things clearly. They had fears and reacted to them in very unenlightened ways at times.
Having the light of life means we have a responsibility to work with that light, to help clarify and open up, to remove the obstacles we see so others can walk with us, to make sure we don't cast unwelcome shadows, but instead reflect and direct the light to where it is needed.
Yes, we walk in the light, but we also need to walk with the light that is in all of us. We need to be the light we carry.
As Christians, I believe we have the potential and the responsibility to be the light bearers for others.
We know the way and we should not just follow the path blindly, but look for others who might want to come along. We need to seek out dimmer lights and make them brighter.
Yesterday, I spoke with a young man who used to go to our church, but he has been away for several years. I told him we need his presence. We are better with him among us. We need to hear his voice and understand his thoughts.
The light in him needs to join with the light in us so we can all see more clearly.
He may not come, but now that I know he is out there, I will try again.
There are many others who have lights that could be made brighter, who need encouragement to join together. We just have to go out and find them.
We need to grow the light by adding to it and showing each person how to share his or her light with others.
How strong is your light? who could gain from joining their light with yours?
Imagine how much brighter the world would be if each of us found one more light to add.
Will you join me?
More to come...