It won’t surprise anyone that the lyrics of a song inspired this blog post. Many of you may know the song. The melody sounded so familiar, but the name Daystar didn’t ring a bell. Then the words of the chorus reached out and grabbed me. “Lead me Lord, I’ll follow. Anywhere you open up the door. Let your word speak to me; show me what I’ve never seen before. Lord, I want to be your witness; you can take what’s wrong and make it right. Daystar shine down on me, let your love shine through me in the night.” That is my prayer! It reminds me of something a dear personal friend shared with me recently, “If you want God to continue to open doors for you, take your hand off of the knob!”
Jesus is the light of the world. “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” (John 8:12) He passed that torch to us by announcing that we are also the light of the world. “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) The light of the Father’s love shines through Jesus and His love shines through us by way of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. It is one of the things that separate us from the world around us so that we stand out in sharp contrast. We are in the world, but not of the world.
I have mentioned that I spent years in the pest control industry teaching new employees how to identify and eliminate pest infestations. A bright flashlight is the most important tool in their service kit. Most pests are nocturnal; preferring to move at night. Flying pests are usually attracted to light; while many crawling pests run for cover when the light shines on them. That is the way it is with the world’s reaction to God’s love light. Those who are seeking a better life are drawn to His light like a beacon from a lighthouse leading them to safety. Those who don’t want their secret lives exposed or disturbed scurry to get away from God’s light. I can’t control how the world reacts to “this little light of mine”, but “I’m gonna let it shine” anyway and leave the rest to God. Together, we can light up the world!