Darkness is nothing new. From the very beginning after the fall, the world has been saturated in sin, brokenness, and an ongoing rebellion against a Holy God. John’s Gospel reminds us there was also light, and that light is Jesus Christ:
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:4–5
He is the Light of the World. Jesus stepped into creation in time and offered the hope of light. When the world feels hostile, and chaos seems to reign, professing believers are not called to retreat—we are called to be a reflection. We are to reflect the light of Jesus Christ.
Called to Be Salt and Light
Jesus taught His disciples this plainly:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden”
and
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
To be a light means to reflect Jesus in our words and deeds. To be salt means to live a life that preserves the truth, confronts evil and sin, and is a call to the only hope humanity has—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This means we cannot afford to shrink back from the confrontation of sin and evil. It is a call to stand boldly in faith. Today, Christian, you are called to stand in the truth and proclaim it loudly. We must also remember that truth is never separated from grace and love. Jesus was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). This is our witness. We herald the news that God’s pure and righteous judgement, and His wrath, abide on the sinner now. One day – we all have a divine court date. Those who have never confessed their sin and placed saving faith in Christ will be condemned – or will be found guilty. The question is – are you prepared? Have you repented of your sin because of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit delivered through the Gospel message – or – will you stand on Judgement Day in your own righteousness? This is the glory of the Gospel. That Jesus not only paid the penalty for your sin (which is death), but because of His righteous life, he imputes that righteousness to your account.
The Image of the Invisible God
Paul writes and provides as great reminder that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15). When we look to Christ, we see God’s heart on display. We need to remember that He is the Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) and one day, every knee will bow before Him (Philippians 2:10–11).
This should create an urgency within us. Those we come in contact with every day desperately need the hope of the Gospel—not an improvement of morals, not momentary fixes, but salvation in the name of Jesus Christ alone.
Shining in a Dark World
As we look around, news cycles seem darker, morality appears to be upside down, when truth is not only mocked, but persecuted—remember this: “the darkness has not overcome the light”.
Christian, your life is not insignificant. Your kindness, your courage, your refusal to compromise, your willingness to speak the truth in love—all of it bears witness to the Light of Christ.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” — Eph 5:8
Our mission as a church has not changed. We cannot blend into the world but we are called to shine bright in it. We do not shine because of any light from ourselves, but we shine because of the radiance of Christ.
The Only Hope
It is not difficult to recognize the world is desperate for hope. To those outside of Christ, we also recognize the sources of hope the world chases never provide life. We know the truth:
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Tim 2:5
The only true hope in the world is the Gospel. The message that Jesus Christ was crucified according to scriptures, that He was raised for our justification, and grace now reigns. This is why there is an urgency to point others to the light, and not to “soften” our salt. Christians, we must boldly declare the message, live a life that points others to salvation and remain unstained from the world.
When darkness tries to seep in every crevasse of your life and faith, remember who you reflect. Speak His Words of Life. Love. And hold fast to the Living Hope of Christ. Believe His words that one day, fully and finally – Jesus will return and darkness will be no more.
“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” – Rev. 21:23