This week I asked myself a question:
Am I a Fireworks Show Christian or a Light of the World?
Think about it… At a fireworks show, a community joins together in the dark of night, everyone anticipating something spectacular. When the spectacle of brilliant color finally splashes across the sky – for a few brief moments – the darkness disappears, “oohs and aahs” rise in unison, strangers smile at one another. Light did that.
But all too soon, darkness returns – and neighbors go their separate ways. The light was exciting, beautiful, unifying… but it didn’t last – and it won’t return for quite awhile.
Jesus himself calls those of us who are Christians to be “the light of the world”.
- To stand for Truth in the midst of lies; for right in the midst of wrong.
- To shine as a life-saving beacon to someone lost in a life of hopelessness.
- To reflect the light of Christ into a distracted, self-focused world.
And sometimes we’re pretty good light shiners… until we’re not. Until we let ourselves become distracted and focused on everything but the Light. That beautifully obedient illumination we once shared no longer shines with hope, a path out, for neighbors – or a world – living in darkness.
Like the fireworks show, we may have been good for a few impressive flashes of light… but our light wasn’t dependable. We weren’t a steady, shadow-dispelling beacon on a hill. Why not?
As Christians, we no longer have to live in despair, confusion, darkness. In fact, we are given the privilege of being light, reflecting the brilliance of God himself to those around us.
Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
So if you find yourself enjoying the beauty and excitement of fireworks this weekend, I hope you’ll pay attention to the dark – and the difference the light makes.
Think about the difference you can make in the world when you let His light shine through you. You might just discover your own Independence Day.
To my fellow Americans, may yours be a safe and happy Fourth of July celebration. May we bless God by shining His light… He’s already blessed us!
If you’re wondering where all of this light thinking came from…
I’ve noticed how God tends to work in “themes” in my life when He’s speaking to my heart about something. Of course He does! He created me, after all – and knows how this gal loves a good theme – and so He speaks to me in a way I can understand. (He’ll do the same for you.)
So what was the theme?
Light
- The Daily Help app of Charles Spurgeon’s writings on my iPhone:
If your soul has any longing towards Christ, and if you are seeking to rest in his finished work, God sees the “light.” He not only sees it, but he also preserves it in you. ‘I, the Lord, do keep it.’
- Intriguing book review of Beautiful on the Mountain by Jeannie Light. Yes, Lord, I noticed. (Good book, by the way. Sort of a modern-day Christy.)
- Series of daily reflections at The High Calling about exposing deeds of darkness by being “the light of the world” – not in a punitive, judgmental way, but in a way that is redemptive and liberating.
- And then I read a local pastor’s Fourth of July reflections…
For me, the crowd at a community fireworks show represents a microcosm of our entire nation. The young and the old are seated together. The wealthy are seated with the poor. Catholics and Baptists rub shoulders with Muslims, Jews, and with those who profess no religion at all. All races and creeds come together, not to debate their differences, but to celebrate those things we hold in common.
With light already much on my mind, I began to think about the fireworks show – and wonder…
And now I’m wondering…
Does God use themes in your life to speak to your heart? What themes have you noticed?
Join me for:
A Patriotic Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
While I would hope that I am a constant light I fail in some way, big or small, every single day. How I thank God for His forgiveness.
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Same here, Laura… Happy 4th to you, too!
A timely reminder to let our lights shine strong and true. Hope your 4th was wonderful.
Your ability to pull things out of your heart and put them into the written word just gets better with every post. I truly mean that. I love the way you listen to Him in every and all situations. I can see the UPSIZE, if that makes any sense at all.
This is just one more example. I loved how you compared our light to the fireworks. I’d like to pride myself into thinking that THAT is the reason that I don’t like to go to them. (In truth? I really just don’t think the crowds and bugs and evening heat are worth the show. ~ Never have, she says, hanging her in unpatriotic shame…~)
Spiritually, I don’t want to be a fireworks display. That’s not to say that I think I’m “there”, though. Every single day, I am seduced in some way by both flashy, light shows and the lure of darkness.
It’s funny. I am a theme oriented person. I have been that way as long as I can remember. The answer to your question, however, has me thinking.
Debbie, I’m right there with you when it comes to GOING to fireworks shows. The crowds, bugs, and evening heat aren’t worth it for me either — but I love it when someone in the neighborhood puts on a light-filled display in a nearby parking lot. I can stand at my kitchen window in the cool and enjoy — and so I do!