Choosing to Shine

1st John Chapter 1 

Scripture: 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1st John 1:7) 

Observation: 

I'd like to talk about the word picture that's being used here.  "Light" is a very common illustration when talking about God, His goodness, Jesus, and the Word.  It's all over scripture and I am tempted to just run a long list of where you can find those verses in order to help you make those linkages and see the depth of this metaphor.  But I won't, any good search engine or concordance can do the same thing, so I won't take up your time here.  But please don't let that stop you from mining the riches of scripture and seeing it for yourself.  Nothing substitutes for the Holy Spirit instructing you directly through the word.  Nothing.   

The Greek word that is used for light in this passage is phos.  It's got two uses, one as a physical light - as in a lamp, a star, or anything that sheds light.  The second one is more metaphorical and is associated with the nature of God, because of the attributes of truth, knowledge, purity, transparency, and the power of understanding. 

Application: 

But don't forget that beginning this verse starts out with an "if".  We have the choice of following HIS way or our own.  So, I ask you, does this metaphor carry out into your own life?  Would you agree with this passage that says He is the light and without Him we live in darkness?  It's easy to overlook the boldness in the words when it's prettied up in lyrical phrases - but this is pretty bold statements!   

Here is the challenge I'd like to leave with you today:  How do you answer those who do not agree with this statement that John makes?  We are called to have an answer for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).    

Have you thought about it?  Do you know what you would say if someone asked you why you believe the way you do?   

There are many resources to draw from to help you articulate it into words, sometimes all you need is someone to bounce things off of.  I invite you to reply to this post and share the hope that you have.  Tell us how you answer this bold statement about being light in a dark world and communicating that to the people around you.  if you don't have a ready answer, let us be your sounding board for finding your own voice. 

Prayer: 

Lord give us courage to be transparent in our life, so that you can shine through us.  Help us to confess our sins to you and to each other so that the world is never confused about the differences between a sinner like me and the Holy God who also lives inside me.  The word says that no one hides a light under a basket, but they set it uncovered and high so that it lights up the entire room.  As believers we should be like a city on a hill, shining where everyone can see it.  Lord, help us be prepared to share the gospel and not hide it, especially in these dark times.  Amen.