light and leadership

14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 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, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

The other day my wife Karen bought a new nightlight for the bathroom. It was different from the ones we've had before; this one had a light sensor in it. When it gets dark, the sensor puts into motion the process that causes the little light to shine. When you turn the overhead light on, the nightlight goes off.

Speaking of light, I'm a fairly positive guy—but I think we're living in very dark and foreboding times. There's wickedness in our culture. There's evil that is out of control. There's the rejection of anything that is godly in our society. The practice of sin and wickedness is unbelievable.

Too many of us have been caught up in the darkness rather than reflecting the light of Jesus. It's almost as if we have taken our faith and shoved it in our pockets. We're afraid (or ashamed) to hold the light of Jesus high. But this dark world needs a spiritual nightlight!

Philippians 2:14-16 reminds us of this: “among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” Paul wrote hopefully, declaring that the darkness is a great opportunity. We've got to hold the light high.

The light of Jesus is revealed through our attitude and our godly character as we grow closer in our relationship with him. Then we can't help but shine when darkness comes. The darker it is, the more we will stand out. The bleaker it is out there, the more hopeful we are in our faith. We stand in stark contrast to the ways of our society and the world in which we live.

Be a leader in the light and point people to the Word of God so they can respond to the Light of the gospel Jesus Christ. Let's live so that our light continually shines and grows even brighter when the darkness closes in. —Crawford W. Loritts livingalegacy.org

seeking: Heavenly Father, how has light just penetrated my heart? What do I find in your glorious light?

responding: Does my life reflect the Light of life? • Are people drawn to the Light who lives within me? What will make me shine brighter for him?

Heavenly Father, please help me to be a light for this dark world. I want others to find the joy and peace that can come only from Jesus.

following: Leadership is shining the light that others can follow.

our journey