Hence, I will also appoint you as light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6, CEB
If you’ve been appointed to be the light to the nations, the community, the neighborhood, or your workplace, then why do you so often slip into the shadows? Perhaps you’re more comfortable there because you don’t like being the center of attention. When you feel like that, it’s easier to just have God go on ahead of you, thinking you’ll catch up later. The problem is that it’s not long until you feel alone, not quite sure of your footing or where the path leads. Your own little light gets diminished in the process.
We live in a culture that embraces independent thought and actions almost to the exclusion of anything else. We imagine we can manage most things just fine and as one person, we can’t have much impact on the rest of the world anyway. Of course, history books are full of one person stories, people who influenced others and helped change the world. Maybe that’s what God wants from you. Maybe He doesn’t want you to just exist, to hide your light under a proverbial bushel, and walk on by yourself. After all, you’ve been appointed and anointed and equipped to do great things. Your light matters.
The Bible frequently shares the metaphor of light, especially the Light connected to the Source of all things. This Light is powerful, beyond anything Edison could have dreamed of because it’s infinite light that the darkness can never extinguish. You’ve been given a flame, an eternal flame to light the way, not just so you can go forward, but so you can help others move ahead too. You’re their light. You’re the only light some people may ever encounter and they yearn to know there’s more than the shadowy life they’ve been living.
God made it possible for us to feel His presence, His light, and all He asks of us in return is to share that light with those around us. Your work on this planet is to shine and to help others feel the warmth of God’s love. Just BE the light, the kindness, the positive influence, and the example of love God designed you to be.
It’s a great day to turn up your high beams because you don’t want anybody to get lost in the darkness.