LIGHT BEARERS

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 4:1-6, NASB).

Think about light and darkness and the way they affect our ability to see. In the dark, we have no sense of direction or courage to move forward, but in the light, everything is clear. In a very real sense, this perspective holds true in the spiritual realm as well. Those who dwell in spiritual darkness cannot perceive realities about God.

Thankfully, the Lord has the power to help us discern truth. Jesus said, “‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life,’” (John 8:12, NASB). That’s why the phrase “…the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 4:4, NASB) is the perfect description of the message of salvation. It’s the good news that can transfer someone from spiritual darkness to light.

Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus as Savior and Lord are now children of light. God calls each of us to carry the gospel to an unbelieving world that cannot see in the dark. It’s important for our lifestyle to be distinct from the darkness around us. In our daily interactions, are we a light bearer who points the way to Christ?

- Jeff