LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
In this letter, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they are
children of light. He says that they know Jesus Christ is the Son of
God who gave the ultimate sacrifice to purify man. Indeed, they are
enlightened, and need to live their lives in a way as to reflect
that grace. Paul himself was changed by that light on the road to
Damascus. As the man Saul, he was in the dark. He was a good Hebrew,
even a zealous Hebrew, who made it his task to persecute Christians,
especially the apostles. Even though Saul was instrumental in the
stoning of the Apostle Stephen, Jesus saw a dedicated servant and
enlightened him in his Grace.
Paul’s dedication carried him to many Gentile cities to spread
the good news. He was thrown in prison, but continued his work.
Martin Luther came to Jesus a miserable, tormented human being. A
blinding flash of lightning caused him to commit his life to Christ.
His study of the Bible revealed the real Grace of God. He found a
loving God, not a punishing God. Martin was very human in his
day-to-day living, but started the Reformation with his stand
against the policies of the pope and church of his day. He lit a
light for Christendom by translating the New Testament into a
language the common man could read.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer recognized the shade on the light of Christ
in the 1930s during the Third Reich. While many clergy were swept up
in Nazi propaganda, Bonhoeffer remained loyal to Jesus and turned a
spotlight on the lies of the government. He was rewarded with prison
and finally execution. His light continues to guide Christians.
We each have an opportunity in our daily life to let our light
shine. Our light shines with the fellowship of other Christians to
provide a spiritually healthy community in which to live.
Father in Heaven, please give us the courage to let our light
shine. We remember that you have sought our love. Help remind us to
come to you in prayer. We ask for your guidance in making decisions
regarding the many pressures of day-to-day life. Amen
Richard D. McDiffett
