The Light In Us

"Do we think God wants people to stay in the dark, uninformed, or can He use the Light in us to reach those who will never enter church doors?"

WHEN YOU QUIT WALKIN’ IN A CESSPOOL, you notice how clean your shoes have become, and you can go back and figure out a way to drain it dry. But nothin’ gets done until you stop standin’ in it, sunk in the filth.

There’s something to be said for a good septic man. Ours broke once, so we called the guy who put it in, and he said he’ll come by. Well, my daughter and I went on an errand and came home to find him seated at the drain hole, arm deep in the tank. He looks up and diagnoses the problem, without battin’ and eye. No apology, no excuses, for the position he was in. Somebody’s gotta do it, as they say. But it can’t be done if you can’t see the problem, and it can’t be done if you refuse to get dirty. Until someone is willing to go where others won’t and trust God to guide them through the mess, the problem remains.

God has people in all industries with the knowledge and understanding they need to do what needs to be done and do it well, with His heart in the matter. He has apostles and prophets, pastors and teachers, and people for all the works of the ministry within the church. He has gifted volunteers there who put things up and take things down when it’s needed and those who are best at serving families who’ve lost a loved one. But He isn’t limited in His wisdom to strictly behind church walls. He also has politicians. Yes, folks, God has men and women called into government who will vote for His principles. He has lawyers and judges, people gifted in education, those who work with young people and children. There are healthcare workers, restaurant managers, big business professionals. Artists and designers. Sports stars, willing to play the game, play it well, and thank Jesus for it. Entertainers. Even in an industry so sunk in the cesspool, God has those who shine His Light brightly.

“The Good News must first be proclaimed to all the nations.” (Matthew 13:10 TLV)

76 men have played Jesus on film since 1912. Which of these do we criticize for being a light in the dark? What of today’s version, The Chosen? It is the largest crowdfunded project ever produced. As of May 2022, it had over 405 million views. Do we consider it an anomaly, a one-time-only project? Actor Jim Caviezel played Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ” and tells of the day when they shot the scene of the cross. The weather turned, the clouds growing thick, and a bolt of lightning struck him. He recalls seeing himself hanging there from behind. Though he had health problems for a number of years following, he considers the effect of the role on others worth his suffering. We are here to love each other.

But “religious” films are not the only visual entertainment where God’s light is changing the industry. Do we even believe God would bother to change it? The question is better asked, Why wouldn’t He? What the devil has used to spread evil, God can and will use for good. Reality contests like American Idol continue to release Christian artists into the music industry, and church ministries turn out worship leaders not simply to write and have their song go viral, but to preach Jesus as Savior, as Healer, as King. In 2020, singing couple Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes released “The Blessing,” a song which in a time of closed doors traveled the entire earth, producing versions sung in nations of many languages.

“What I am teaching you in private, I want you to proclaim to the world.” (Matthew 10:27)

Secular news focuses on the world’s viewpoint, largely fostering fear and immorality. Yet, even there, God has placed newsmen willing to tell the truth and take on persecution for it. From the lies also come Christian news shows with a biblical viewpoint and a following of thousands who will stand for God, country, and freedom. Do we think God wants people to stay in the dark, uninformed, or can He use the Light in us to reach those who will never enter church doors? Can He bring hope in what looks like chaos and through modern technology send the gospel to the ends of the earth? Not can He, He has done so, and He will not stop because of those who do not understand it. He will go beyond the church to where the lost are.

We are the 99. They are the 1.

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

Image by Andrey_and_Lesya from Pixabay


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com