Called to Shine: Reflecting Christ in a Dark World

Have you ever considered that darkness isn’t a real thing? Darkness isn’t the presence of something — it’s simply the absence of light. 

In physics, light is made up of electromagnetic waves or photons — it has measurable properties and energy.

Darkness, however, is what we call the state when light is not present. You can't "shine darkness" into a room — you remove light, and darkness results.

Just as light pushes back darkness, God shines His presence and truth into a broken, dark world. God, the Creator, brought light into the world:

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. - Genesis 1:2-4

God spoke light into darkness. He created order where there was no order. He took what was dark and unclear, and brought clarity. He took nothing and turned it into something “good.”

While God’s original creation was “good,” we know that it did not stay that way. The fall of Adam sent man into a depravity (Romans 3:9-18) and darkness that became the new normal. It is the air that we breathe. 

But God, in his generosity, continued to deliver light to the world, as He said He would (Genesis 3:15):

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. - Isaiah 9:2

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. - Isaiah 9:6-7

The world is in darkness, but God promised Christ, the redeemer, to shine light on His people (Psalm 27:1). This light is hope. The promise of the messiah points to the solution for our dark world, marred by sin. Those who are in darkness, now have hope. 

And then, the light came:

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12

Jesus, the Son of God, is the light. In His coming — the advent of Christ — God once again shone light into our darkness. The hope had always been promised, but in Jesus, the light walked among us.

As a disciple of Christ, as we follow Him, we have the light of life. (1 John 1:5-7). His light appears in us: 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16

So the spirit-filled believer wields Christ’s light. His light is passed to us, like when you light a birthday cake, passing the flame from one candle to the next. 

As believers filled with Christ’s Holy Spirit, His light lives in us, and it is our responsibility to shine that light for the world to see. We are not called to hide it, but to let it shine to the world around us. When we are brought into a relationship with God, we become His representatives to the world around us. 

Are there ways in which you are a shining light, but you are hidden? Do you keep your faith to yourself? When someone asks about your faith, do you change the subject? Do you live in a way that people around you would even know you have faith?

Jesus Christ is the radiance of God the father (Hebrews 1:3). He is the light of the world, like the sun, a bright, blazing star - a huge mass of energy that powers the whole world. But we are called to be like the moon, which doesn’t create its own light, but reflects the light of the sun. 

We are called to tell the world of the good work that God did in us: that He took us out of darkness, and brought us into His light (1 Peter 2:9). 

There are people around you—neighbors, coworkers, classmates, even friends—who are walking in real darkness. You may be the only gospel light they see.

You don’t need to be eloquent. You just need to shine. Speak the truth. Show love. Be different. Share God’s word.

The Church’s mission is that these people in your lives and in our community would have repeated opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel. 

Are there ways that you can be more proactive in this endeavor? 

Have you identified who in your life needs to hear about Christ? It seems silly to go out of your way to make a list (literally or in your head), but without identifying people in your life who need God’s light, you are working towards a vague idea of evangelism. Who are people that you love and care about that need Him? God has put them in your lives for a reason, you may be the only light in their world. Of course, we don’t want to turn our friends and family into pet projects, but we cannot afford to forget our calling either (Matthew 28:18-20).

Are you praying for those that need Him? God is sovereign and can change hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Going to Him in prayer is a petition to the one who has the power to work in others. God delights in our prayers, His word tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17),“Asking, Seeking, and Knocking,” (Matthew 7:7) and if it is His will, he will bring it to completion. 

Are you engaging the people that God has entrusted to you? It is one thing to identify who they are, and even another to pray for them. But how are you going to be God’s mouthpiece (2 Corinthians 5:20), and be postured to be used by Him if you are not around these people? Are you spending time with them, praying with them, serving them, or inviting them into Christian community? Identifying and praying may be enough — God is in control, but do you want to be used by Him in His work of redemption? That will work best if your boots are on the ground. 

Lastly, are you sharing the gospel with people? God worked in you, are you sharing that story (1 Peter 2:9)? Loving people, praying with and for them, spending time with them, and loving them are all good things. But are you telling them the good news? We are called to share Jesus — the Light of the world (Mark 16:15). It takes courage. It can be scary. But how will they hear without someone telling them? (Romans 10:14–15)

A closing thought to encourage you: 

The world is dark, yes. But light shines best in the darkness. Let’s not hide the light. Let’s hold it high.

We live in a dark world that desperately needs the light, Jesus. 

You don’t have to generate the light — you just need to shine it. Reflect His light, sow seed (Matthew 13:1–23), and maybe God will use your efforts. 

Press on brothers and sisters, let’s continue to keep our eyes on the mission. 

In Christ, 

Pastor Steve Brown