WE ARE CHILDREN OF LIGHT

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of incredulity, and it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct the other way...”

From “A Tale of Two Cities,” by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ words refer to the volatile days of 1775, but they also could be spoken of the present day. Perhaps you feel it to be the “best of times and the worst of times” in your life. Things may be going very well, but there are some stiff challenges - great spiritual victories but perplexing difficulties - feelings of being closer to a God than ever before, yet days of feeling like a spiritual failure. Can you identify? I believe you can.

 You are the light of the world.  (Matt 5:14)   

Being close to Jesus means living in the light - and being the light in the world is not all that easy, because the light reveals all our imperfections, even our innermost thoughts!  Also, His light will bring out all manner of things about those around us – the good, the bad, and the ugly!  Now that can be uncomfortable. It’s hard living in the Light! 

Whatever you do, be determined to walk closely with Jesus Christ, even when it is uncomfortable. Jesus taught His disciples that apart from total dependence on Him, they could do nothing productive or spiritual! Staying close to the Him keeps us encouraged, focused, and fruitful in spite of life’s discomforts and contradictions.

So, now you understand why so many perplexing issues are at hand. You’ve begun to “walk in the Light” and to be a light. Sometimes that light reveals unpleasant things in and around you. But Jesus will never bring anything to light without giving you the grace to deal with it. So, be encouraged, and face life on God’s terms. Whatever you do, don’t go back into darkness and sin. Ask God to give you His supernatural power to bear the hard times, and let the light that resonates from you reveal Jesus to everyone around you.  Remember, you are the light of the world, and He is the light in you!

Love,

Your pastor and God’s servant,

Eric