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You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)

Whoever believes in me, believes not just in me but in the One who sent me. Whoever looks at me is looking, in fact, at the One who sent me. I am Light that has come into the world so that all who believe in me won’t have to stay any longer in the dark.
John 12:44-46 (The Message)

When I read these passages, I look at myself and ask, “Am I light?”  In other words, does my life - every moment, every word, every action, every thought - shine under the Light of Christ?  Jesus said He would not hide our light under a bucket, but we would be placed on a stand to be seen.  We must investigate our hearts and place ourselves under the light of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.  Otherwise, we are working against Jesus and hiding our light - or worse, putting out the light.

These scriptures (and many others like them) have been ringing in my ears lately and especially when I make a mistake or walk into some kind of temptation.  Sin is such a problem for a Christ-follower.  Not because it revokes our salvation and redemption in Christ, but because our sanctification or formation in Christ grinds to a halt when we allow darkness back in where light should dwell.  And if we stop becoming more like Christ, we cease to offer any light to anyone else.

The only way to let the darkness back in is to put out the light - to close the doors and windows - to leave Jesus outside.  He never leaves us, we leave Him.

Living in the Light, though, is amazing.  When we are true and pure in our conversation and communion with God, we are bright - and the brightness draws people to Jesus.  Life in the Light is an open life, rather than a closed one - a life people of all tribes long to be invited into.

• Have you ever found yourself in darkness?
• How did it happen? Did the Light leave, or did you put it out?
• Is your life open and inviting? (Someone’s waiting to come in.)