Every year we go through the routine of setting our clocks back an hour. Computers, cell phones, and smart watches perform the task automatically. Not so for the rest of them. I have a grandfather clock and a mantle clock that must be taken forward eleven hours to go back one hour. Turning back the grandfather clock means letting the clock bong every half-hour along the way. Then there is the one in the bathroom, one in the laundry, the stove, the microwave, the bedrooms, the radio, the indoor/outdoor thermometer, the car, and … Oh, yes, the timer on my night light in the living room. I don’t mind, of course. I schedule my semi-annual task to go forward or backward the day before the change. The extra hour of sleep in the fall is a good reward for the chore.
Autumn, too, has changes in the daylight outside. Along with the setting back of the clocks, children don’t have to go to school in the dark, but by the time they come home, darkness is creeping over the horizon, giving little time for outside activities. Coming inside to the light is a good thing. Activities neglected over the summer can restart—like the paintings I’ve been wanting to do and the books I need to write. (Make your own list!) [i]
At the beginning of this year we started a series on Light, with our theme scripture:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5: 14-16
I hope this year has been one where you have endeavored to shine as a light to others in the dark world about us. I hope I, too, have been a light to others, showing a glimpse of the True Light, the Lord Jesus Christ, to the world where God has placed me. Yes, we do tell others about Jesus in the words we say, sharing Scriptural truths and inviting them to join us in church or a Bible study. There are many other ways, as well, for us to turn the Light of the world on for those living in darkness when words can’t be found. I would love to hear how you have been a light to others throughout this year—how you removed the basket from your candle and placed it on a stand to let your light shine.
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven …” Did you ever consider how this should play out as we live in a world darkened by the wickedness of the devil and played out in the lives of those who have never trusted the Lord Jesus Christ? To me, the meaning is clear: We are to demonstrate by our lives—our attitudes, motives, and actions—what heaven is like. We are to prove our faith by our:
- Love for others;
- Enjoyment of life no matter how difficult;
- Peaceful approach to the tumult around us;
- Patient waiting when trials seemingly have no end;
- Acts of kindness;
- Good behavior;
- Faithfulness to God and others;
- Willingness for others whose understanding is greater than our own to take the lead;
- Moderation and restraint in the face of personal desires.
Only when the Christian lives in this manner, will words work.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
Challenge:
Take a look back at the last several months and consider how your light has shone in the lives of others. If you are living in a dark world, put your trust in the Light of the World.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the Light of lights: We are thankful that Your light was snuffed out out at Calvary for our sinfulness, but we praise You that You raised from the darkness of the grave to Eternal Light. May Your light be reflected in us as we live among those still walking in darkness. Amen.
Promise:
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1: 7
[i] This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
