It seems if it weren’t for bad news we’d have no news at all. The 24/7 news cycle trends to sensationalizing bad news – the latest earthquake or other natural disaster, a military conflict, an oppressing government, disrespect for authority, lawlessness and immorality. In various formats, these represent the categories for local and national news programs. With no other reference points, it would seem the only conclusion to draw is that the world is going to hell in a hand basket! The darkness can be overwhelming.
In Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project, Dr. Del Tackett speaks of a morning when his grandson opened a closet door in their entryway. He sees something and asks his grandson to do it again. The closet door is closed and opened again. Del asked, “Did you see that?” “See what Grandpa?” his grandson responded. “The darkness in the closet did not take over the light in the entryway. The light in the entryway blasted through the closet darkness!” Del explained, “How cool is that!”
“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12b). Jesus was very aware of the darkness in this world. And the darkness was very aware of Him – the demons were the first to recognize Him as the Son of the Most High God (Mark 5:7). And the Light always blasted through the darkness by casting out demons, healing the sick, forgiving sinners and conquering death! As we follow Him, we “will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Wow! As dads we must embrace that fully and be Light where He has us. We have the power to blast through the shadows and darkness in this world that distract and discourage.
Tips to Be Light:
- Grow in your personal, passionate relationship with Christ every day through time in prayer, scripture, worship and study of His Word;
- Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus the Christ (2Cor.10:5);
- Love as Jesus loved, unconditionally and serve as Jesus served, selflessly ;
- View life with an eternal perspective.
Prayer guide: Lord, I confess I have been intrigued by darkness in this world – certain media, glorification of self, stuff I enjoy and places I like to hang out. All are distractions, some even to the point of closing the door to Your Light. Thank You for opening the doors and blasting through the darkness to show Your Light on my situation. You are an awesome God! From this point on I want to be Your man, to be Light where You have me in family, in my circles of influence and certainly in my church. Amen.
A faithful father works to be Light in every discussion, situation and relationship.
