Matthew 5:16, New Living Translation

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

If you hold phosphorus under a bright light, then turn out the lights the phosphorus will glow in the dark. This is a process where energy is absorbed by a substance and is slowly released in the form of light. 

We are to be phosphorus – we charge ourselves with the Word of God and reflect Christ’s characteristics. Under Christ’s light, if we have the opportunity for revenge – we will choose to forgive; when we could cheat – we will deal honestly; when we could be selfish – we will be happy to serve; and when we are stressed – we will learn to relax and trust in God. When Christians energize themselves with God’s promises and mandates, they are graceful lights in a dark world.

But we must remember: if we don’t constantly expose ourselves to God’s Word our Christ-like glow will soon cease, and we will become self-absorbed and just as dark and graceless as the world around us. 

Also, when we regularly study God’s Word, reflect on the truths within and apply it to our daily circumstances, we will soon get over ourselves and be occupied with all that our Lord Jesus Christ has done and is doing on our behalf. The result of this will be gratitude to God and grace to others – this is the Christian glow that is a beacon to a world lost in darkness.

Our lives can lose their joy and sparkle when they become clouded by our sins and the sins of the world. Has sin dulled the signs of Christ within you? If so, it’s time to take the time to examine your life and ask God to illuminate things you may be unaware of. He will get you back on the right path if you ask for help and His forgiveness. Let’s face it, as humans, we are not perfect, but through prayer, we can address where we have gone wrong, and get back to living the amazing life He’s planned for us.

So, be that light for those around you and for the dark world we live in!