A Light In the World
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or of greed because these are not proper for God’s holy people. Ephesians 5:3 NIV
Our Pastor has been walking the congregation through an expository teaching on the entire book of Ephesians. Every Sunday, he explores with us the in-depth meaning of Paul’s writing of the book of Ephesians. In Ephesians Chapter 5, Paul lays out some specific guidelines that we as Christians and followers of Christ should live by. Paul goes on to say in Chapter 5:8-10,
For you were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
God has called on us as His followers to set the example. To be a shining light in a world of darkness separated from God. Our daily goal should be to have life where we sin less and not succumb to those things that are of the world. It sounds simple enough. The reality is that the world’s influence is everywhere – all the time. Our family lives in a fairly small, nice and well maintained neighborhood. Most of the families are working professionals. We have a media specialist, a high ranking military officer, a disc jockey and an attorney – just to name a few. Church-going? Followers of Christ? Well, on our circle of about twenty homes, that would be one family – us. One thing is for sure, a Christian family in this neighborhood, is the minority.
In fact, most of the neighbors are party people. I mean, wild party people. My husband and I have awoken plenty of times to 3am volleyball games in the neighbor’s pool where everyone over there is loud and obnoxious following several hours of drinking. Honestly, it got so bad that we had to put a fence up to help buffer the noise. There are still some nights that it gets bad.
God has called our family to be set apart. He wants us to set the example – to be a light to the world. To be a light to those living in the darkness who are separated from God and His truth. It isn’t always easy. I’m sure we are made fun of. I’m sure others think we are “odd” for getting up early on Sundays and heading out to church. I know one family called us “weird” for homeschooling. But, I still try to share a little here and there with my neighbors. I am on friendly terms with most of them. And I know we are being watched. Everything we do can affect how our witness of Christ comes across. It is humbling to know that our family may be the only exposure to the love of Jesus Christ some of these people may ever receive.
In is interesting that when a crisis comes up, the neighbors know they can come to us for prayer. The same couple I mentioned above with the pool parties, asked for prayer yesterday morning as he was going into the hospital to have a heart catheterization test performed. It was an honor to pray for the procedure to go well and for the results to be negative. I never know when God is going to open a small door and give me a giant opportunity to share His love. Chapter 5 of Ephesians closes with this:
Be very careful then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father, What a humble experience to be able to share the good news, your precious word and promise of eternal life, with those who do not believe. God, I pray you would guard our path, guard our step and set us apart from the common and use us for your extraordinary work. Let us go out, being bold and strong knowing You are always with us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This was a beautiful reminder that we are truly light and salt to a dying world. You are the living gospel to those around you – as are all of us.
Dana,
Sounds like we live in the same neighborhood.
The scripture you included today is spot on. Thank you. Great Post.
It’s tough sometimes being the minority as a Christian. You feel as if you’re constantly under scrutiny. However, in the Bible God usually used a small minority to do great things. Thanks for sharing.
I really appreciated this post. Thanks for sharing!
Thank the lord to use our life to be an example to others who do not know the Lord. It reminds me that I am not living for myself, I am living for the glory of the Lord. It is a great purpose for my life, to be light and salt to others.
You are right, Dana — we are being watched by the ones who think we are ‘odd’ people. Although we don’t deal much with noisy neighbors, there are others who are watching — especially at my work. The language that is used around me is sometimes hard-breaking…I know that many at my work think I ‘odd’ because I don’t swear, but that is a-okay with me 🙂
I am thankful that His Spirit keeps my tongue in check at all times…
Be blessed today and always.