Be the light

Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. (Psalm 112:4 NLT)

Please take note: scripture never says the godly will not face dark times - it says they will have light in the midst of those dark places. We imagine giving our lives to Christ will result in nothing but good times, but we live in a sinful world, complete with an enemy who would love nothing more than to see us deny Christ and choose our own way again. Sometimes the darkness is our own doing because of bad choices we have made, but most of the time, the darkness comes because we live in this sin-filled world. We don't choose it - it just comes. We never need to fear it, though, for we will be the ones with the Light in the midst of all that darkness!

Three characteristics of the one who lives 'in the Light':

Generosity - the giving of oneself for the good of others; not just out of our abundance, but out of whatever we have been given in the way of talent, wealth, or abilities. Some think generosity is benevolence - the giving of funds so a project can be completed. God sees generosity as a way of life that gives whatever we are able to give - including our time, talents, and treasures. Generosity stems from the knowledge we have been given much - now much is 'required' of us. In other words, we have experienced the depth and breadth of God's love, so now we 'give' because we have been 'given' so much.

Compassion - a heart that is moved by the needs of others; not just to meet a particular need, but a continual movement towards others rather than withdrawing when things get hard for one another. We might see another suffering in some manner, but we don't know how to meet that need. God moves in the hearts of one who remains deeply connected with him, drawing out that inner desire to meet the need we see in front of us. Sometimes it will be a physical need we can meet; or an emotional upheaval we can comfort another who is going through it. At other times, it will be an ongoing commitment to pray for them, lifting them up with great care and concern until we see God move in their lives.

Righteousness - right-living; right choices; right actions - all stem from a right heart. When God moves into the spaces of our lives we had held so closely as 'our own', we begin to see his actions on our behalf have a way of changing how we look at others, their needs, and how we can be his hands and feet in a rather dark world. The heart of all 'right-living' is always going to be obedience - the choice to do right even when everyone else around you isn't. The longer we make the right choices, the more others will see the Light shining through because our lives will stand as a stark comparison to what they see all around them. Remember - light always draws attention. Be the light that brings the Light into this dark world!