The Light within
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5 From the text, John provided a great description of the existence of the Lord Jesus Christ even before the creation of the world. In the beginning the world was empty and void because of darkness. (Genesis 1:2). This was descriptive of what sin did as well when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command. Creation was marred with sin and it resulted to death. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). It was in the coming of Christ born in the flesh that light and life intervened to disperse sin’s darkness. Wherever He went the forces of evil could not endure His presence. The life He brought was abundant and brought about wholeness to those that placed their trust in Him. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). It was God’s free gift and was made available to all those that are willing to admit that without Christ in their life they are dead in their sin (see Ephesians 2:1). If you claim you are a Christian because you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, then Jesus who is the Light resides in you. As you live your life in His light, you begin to show the difference of what life is in the light and what is in darkness. When you live the abundant life God gave you, darkness is exposed (Ephesians 5:11). Some may welcome and appreciate that you are a child of God but there will be those practicing living in darkness that will become uncomfortable when they are around you. There will be those that will try to extinguish the light but just like what John said, “The darkness can never extinguish it.” God wants to use your life to show those that are hurting, feel abandoned, and seeking meaning in life that Christ is sufficient to all their needs. You are called to help them realize their need of Christ and your example could lead them to seek God. Your life becomes a sweet smelling savor that provides a fragrance that people will desire. But there will be those that will continue to resist the truth about God even as they see your testimony of His grace. “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Be grateful that Christ removed you from the life of darkness yet be aware that the light within should shine.
Blessings.
