How to Glow in the Dark: Shining God's Light in a Lost World
In a world filled with darkness and deception, Christians are called to be beacons of light. But what does it mean to truly "glow in the dark" as believers? This message from Second Corinthians 4:1-6 reveals how we can effectively shine God's light to reach those who are lost and blinded by unbelief.
What Does It Mean to Glow in the Dark?
As believers, we have been given a ministry - a stewardship of God's truth. Once we believe in Christ, we are all in ministry, whether we realize it or not. Every time we read God's Word, we become responsible for the truth He gives us. Our calling is to communicate the gospel openly, truthfully, and purposefully, allowing Jesus to work through our lives.
The world today promotes a generalist lie: "Live like God doesn't exist. Do what you want, when you want." Thousands of religions and cultures are based on mankind's attempts to reach heaven through their own merits and works, rather than through God's Word. As Christians, we must counter this darkness with the light of truth.
How Do We Remove the Veil of Unbelief?
Revealing Truth Without Trickery
Paul understood that Christians in all ages struggle to openly communicate the gospel. In Second Corinthians 4:2, he explains that we must renounce "the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully."
This means we refuse to use double-speak or misrepresentation in our preaching and sharing. Satan uses deception and mixed messages in religion, but we must be different. We cannot dilute or water down God's Word to make it more comfortable for hearers. The Word of God is a two-edged sword - living, real, and powerful.
Commending Ourselves to Every Person's Conscience
By setting forth truth plainly, we are used by God to reveal His truth openly. This means we must be public with our faith - we're going to be on display. Our personal life testimony and how our lives have been changed by following Jesus Christ will have far greater impact than any temporary pleasures of this life.
Can others see through you to see Christ? Just like we clean glass so people can see through it clearly, we must remove anything that clouds or veils our testimony.
What Veil Needs to Be Removed?
The veil Paul refers to is the veil of unbelief. In Second Corinthians 3, he explains how Moses had to veil his face because the Israelites couldn't bear to look at the radiance of God's glory. The Old Testament law exposes sin but doesn't provide lasting payment to remove it.
When we read God's Word with unveiled faces, we see the glory of Jesus and are transformed. We begin to shine and glow as God changes us from the inside out. The gospel unveiled is Jesus shining through us, sharing the truth and light with others.
How Do We Contain and Reveal the Treasure?
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Second Corinthians 4:7 tells us we have "this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." The treasure is the greatness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - the very light of God reflected in the face of Jesus Christ.
Jesus chooses to put this treasure in us - breakable earthen vessels. He knows we are fragile, made of clay. Yet He takes His radiance, His truth, and puts it in us. Why? So that it would be evident to anyone who has eyes to see that the work is being done by the power of God, not our own power.
Pressed but Not Crushed
We will face pressure and be squeezed. How do you get water out of a sponge or oil out of an olive? You squeeze it. The Holy Spirit wants to embrace us until the pure oil of the truth of Jesus Christ flows out of us to bring salvation to others.
When we vessels break open, the gift and treasure will be unveiled. Even when we face persecution, perplexity, or being struck down, we are not destroyed because we carry the life of Jesus within us.
How Do We Restrain the Wicked One?
As believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we serve as a restraining force against evil in this world. Just as a security officer serves as a deterrent to bad actors, our presence restrains wickedness while providing guidance to those seeking truth.
When friends, neighbors, or family members ask how they can have the peace and love they see in us, we give them the information they need to find Jesus Christ and eternal life. At the same time, the Lord's presence in us holds back the full manifestation of evil until God's appointed time.
The only reason the world hasn't fallen completely into sin and ultimate judgment is because believers filled with the Holy Spirit are here to slow down the decline. We are the salt of the earth, slowing down decay. We are the face of God to this world.
Why This Matters Now
There is coming a time of God's judgment and wrath against sin and unbelief such as the world has never seen. As long as Holy Spirit-filled believers are in this world, there's still time for those who haven't believed in Jesus Christ to come and believe.
If you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you need Him - not a religion, but a relationship. The Word of God, even a simple verse like John 3:16, has the power to change lives because it's God's Word, not ours.
Life Application
This week, commit to being a light in someone's dark world. Allow the Holy Spirit to use your life testimony - the miracles, both big and small, that God has done in your life - to reach others. Spend time in God's Word daily, allowing Him to transform you from glory to glory so that His light shines through you more brightly.
Ask yourself these questions:
Can others see Jesus in me through my words and actions?
Am I hiding my faith, or am I openly sharing God's truth without compromise?
How can I use my personal testimony of God's faithfulness to encourage someone who is struggling with unbelief?
What areas of my life need to be surrendered so that God's light can shine through me more clearly?
Remember, you are a chosen vessel containing the greatest treasure in all creation - the light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Don't let that light be hidden under a bushel. Let it shine brightly in this dark world.