As a child, we had few toys with which to play. Of course, video games were unheard of, and though board games were probably available, we were too poor to own any. Our play was all outside, and I mean ALL! We would play from sunrise till sundown.
My dad arose each morning at 5:00 to shave, have breakfast, and catch a ride for work. Ten of us lived in a four room house, so when one arose, there was little sleep after that. That meant lots of playing time. Having eight children meant there was rarely a time that we lacked playmates. Add in the neighborhood kids and it was a party! We played, played, played!
During the summer when daylight was longer, we would be out playing for many hours. We paid little attention to the fact that darkness was beginning to surround us. Suddenly my father would sound the alarm. “Barbara, Laney, Bubba, get in this house right now. Come out of the dark.” We had been so content enjoying life, that we did not realize that darkness had overtaken light. When we heard our father’s voice and looked at him standing in the light of the porch, it was evident that darkness was all around us. It was only by seeing my father in his light that we could see the dark place in which we found ourselves.
It is not breaking news to say that darkness is getting thick. We are all aware that darkness is upon many nations including ours. I dare say we even find it in many churches. This has happened in the areas of sexuality, gender, marriage, violence, and many others. How do we know if something is dark? We look at it in the light of the Father’s word. In the light that the Father provides it is not difficult to expose darkness.
Ephesians 5:14 tells us, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” (NLT). Just as my father said, “It is time to come in out of the dark,” God is calling His children to get up, to move from a sitting position, to wake up, and to move forward into the light.
Is it possible that you are dabbling in darkness? Is it possible that you have become comfortable in the culture? There is only one way to know. We must compare our lives, our decisions, and our actions to the light of Father’s word. Complaining about culture does little. If God’s people will live in the light of the word, it will have an effect on the culture.
As we prepare for this Easter Sunday, let us remember that Jesus died to dispel darkness. As children of God, the blood of Jesus broke the darkness in our lives. His Spirit dwells within us and his glory is upon us. Awake! Shine! Of all the things on your to do list, let the top thing be to arise and shine your light for the Lord. Every minute, every hour and every day SHINE. This is your call to action. This is your mission. Arise! Shine! It’s time to glow in the dark.
Pray with me a prayer I recently read and find it to be powerful. “Father, I’m pressing into You. I’m basking in Your light until it becomes mine. Lord, make me stronger and abide with me as my heart speaks to You. Direct my steps and give me courage to speak of the good news to anyone who will listen, because the time of Your return is upon us Jesus. Thank you for your sacrifice that is still powerful today. From this moment onward I deny myself as I follow you. May I become less as you are glorified within me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!