Light in a Dark World

I was challenged today as I read Ephesians; particularly in regards to living as Children of the Light and spreading the Gospel. I am sure many of you know people who say they are Christians but there is very little evidence in the way they live their life to back up that claim. I know I have had moments that cause people to be suspect. This living as a light is a tall order and one that is very difficult to achieve. I can't say that it is any more difficult now as in any other time in history, but it ain't an easy time right now. The mere mention of Jesus in the public square and we hear terms like "fundamental" or "right wing." The curbside evangelist approach just doesn't seem like a too effective method today in America. So how do we reach out to an unbelieving, hurting world when so many people have such a quick and visceral reaction to Christianity? The easy answer is that we live a life that attracts people; that makes them ask themselves what we have that they don't. I believe this seemingly easy task is monumentally more difficult than it appears. I dare say it may be even more difficult going out to a street corner and proclaiming the Gospel to everyone who passes by. And I don't know too many people whose palms don't start to sweat a little at the thought of straight up, street corner evangelism. Here are some of the things Paul writes to the believers at Ephesus about living as Children of Light:

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his
neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do
not let the sun go down while you are still angry
29Do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building
others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who
listen.
31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander,
along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Let’s juxtapose these teachings onto your everyday life, better yet take these standards to your place of employment. Piece of cake. I never get angry or gossip or speak ill of anyone at work. I am, of course, always compassionate and I am always being helpful and building people up. Wait...ohhhh, now I see why I need grace. Let’s add another layer or two. Let’s say people know that you’re a Christian. Now, on top of trying yourself, to grow as a Christian and be a better example of the Christian life, you have coworkers who are still of the world and cynical and angry and living lives in sharp contrast to a Christ-centered life…and they're watching you. They watch your every move so they can be there when you slip up. Maybe they will take the chance to throw out the ever popular, “hypocrite.” Of course it may not be as dramatic as that, but we are being watched. As we all know, we do not necessarily see the fruit of our labor in Christ right away. We have to cultivate and build and plant seeds. Well this holds true when we aren't following Christ’s example. When you are at work, is there gossip? Have you ever participated? I have. Have you ever joined in a bashing session about inept management or complained about compensation or made fun of a coworker? The effects may not be instant, but over time you will blend in with everyone else. No longer a light for Christ, but just another example of a "christian" with no evidence of Christ. We all make mistakes and that is the beauty of God’s Grace. You don't have to out-rightly protest a gossip session; sometimes walking away is powerful enough. Each time we live out Christ’s example in any of these, or many other, situations we have planted a seed. It may take time to grow, but it will grow. You may not even see the fruit of your labor, but trust that God will care for that seed and grow it even if you aren't there. When we go out in the world each day we don't have to scream the Gospel from the top of our lungs, but the Gospel of Christ should be deafening inside our hearts. It needs to be in order to drown out all the temptations we face in a day. Paul has a great visual of how we are to defend ourselves against these temptations in Ephesians 6:13-17; putting on the Armor of God.

13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to
stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with
the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the
readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take
up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of
the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which
is the word of God.

Maybe it's a guy thing, but man I love that image. Every day is a struggle and not every day will be a victory. But if we seek the Lord and seek his strength daily, we can make a difference; we can radically change the world.