matchIt’s kind of amazing isn’t it? I mean go into a dark room, one with no lights or windows, then strike a match and see what happens. It doesn’t take much light to completely obliterate darkness. You don’t need a massive flashlight or a super bright lightbulb, just a small flame will work.

This reminds me of some things that Jesus taught. He says that he is the light of the world. He tells us that he has overcome darkness. His life was so perfect, of course he was able to overcome darkness. But what about you and me? I’m not perfect. Actually far from it! I struggle with the same things we all struggle with – I want to do something good for someone but then I end up not doing it, or I want to stay away from that wrong choice but I just seem gravitated toward it. It’s common to fight this struggle.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. The bible reminds us that just like Jesus is the light of the world, his presence in us carries forth into our daily lives. That means that wherever we go we’re carrying Jesus’ light. It’s not our light so no worries there. We don’t have to worry about having it all perfect all of the time. It’s Jesus’ light. It’s his love, forgiveness, and grace that permeate our existence into the lives of those around us. As we’re affected by the words of the bible this will just happen. His presence will grow in us. His light will shine through us. Not a thing you do but a thing he did.

So today shine. Reflect his light. Rest in his presence and his power. Know that Jesus’ light shines through you where you live, work, and play.