There’s been a major spiritual crisis in the world as we know it. Not that the days were any less evil before, but the sheer desensitization of believers to the rampant evil around them is alarming, to say the least.
What is this rant about, Sany?
Well, I wonder what would it take for us to scoot over our lazy bones and get our spirit man back in business?
Mass genocide? Racial abuse? Communal riots? What would be the bell that alerts us to the darkest times ahead?
All these events were predicted way before they ever began.
Jesus talked about them as the end times.
The end times don’t bother me- rather, it’s our readiness (or rather lack of it) to seek the light in the darkness that puts me on high alert.
How Do We Lose Our Way?
Well, truth be told, we aren’t just lost in the darkness- we are sleepwalking with eyes wide open! There’s been a plague of distractions that have kept us from focusing on the real tragedy at hand.
Thousands of souls all around us perish every day without accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Even more fail to lead the victorious lives they were created to lead.
The more self-centered humans become, the more they choose to chase the winds- luxuries of today that won’t stand the sun of tomorrow.
Vanity of vanities says the wisest man who ever lived, but where does his reproaches fall?
Aware of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life- we have consciously chosen to be the rats in the maze- cycling after the same lure- grasping for it in vain. (1 John 2:16)
What, then is our hope? How can we ever fulfill the great commission while our eyes remain glued to ourselves, oblivious to the darkness inside and out?
Arise and Shine, for Your Light Has Come!
Isaiah 60 presents much hope event amidst the rising moral degradation around us. Sure, there is darkness all around, covering every inch of the earth- yet there is a promise, the promise of finding the light in the darkness.
All is not lost, yet.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
His Spirit-inspired word is the roadmap, guiding and directing us every step of the way.
We reckon and hear our shepherd’s voice, a stranger’s voice we will not follow.
Every time we feel pulled in different directions, compelled to give into the ways of the world, it would help to step aside, pause and reflect on how our steps align to His word.
Let every step that we take in this dark, distorted world be directed by the light of His word, that never fails. And then as we walk His way, His spirit will bear witness with our spirits, reminding us who we are- children of God, even in a lost and corrupt world. (Romans 8:16)
Because we are in the world, but not of the world. (John 15:19)
You Are a Lamp Made for His Glory, So Do Not Hide!
I love how Jesus addresses his followers during the sermon on the mountain. He calls them salt of the earth and the light of the world! (Matthew 5:13-14)
Indeed, what a way to appreciate what we are capable of being. As salt we bring flavor and seasoning to the blandest of situations. As the light of the world, we are destined to shine regardless of how dark and dire the situations become.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
This is our destiny, our legacy as the children of God. We were redeemed to shine with His light and bring a lost world closer to its Creator, the prodigals to their Father- not by keeping quiet but shining ever so brightly as is worthy of His light, His life in us.
May the God of all goodness and love fill you with His light today.
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
