Light in a dark world

We live in very challenging times. No doubt every generation has said that, and certainly every generation has it's own challenges to deal with. My parents' childhood was in the midst of the great depression and as young adults they lived with the reality of a world at war. In my generation it was the Vietnam war, race riots, collapse of moral standards and the explosion of the drug culture.  

None of those things have ended, and today's teens live in a world where war and racism and drugs persist. But they have added pressures previous generations didn't worry about. Things like terrorism, and the pressures brought about by social media. (not the least of which is cyber bullying sometimes extreme enough to lead to suicide)

Humankind would like to think we are "evolving" into a better society, and progressing to a higher level of morality and social responsibility. The evidence, however, is that hatred and violence and all kinds of evil are undiminished. Alcohol abuse, drug addictions, family violence, and immorality continue to be rampant. As a Christian I often feel I don't belong in the world I was born into.

If you and I are dismayed by what we see, how much more is God's heart broken? It occurs to me sometimes that if we could really see everything, as God sees it, we couldn't cope. If we could really see the extent of depravity in the world it would be too much for us to handle.

That makes me wonder sometimes why God allows it to continue. Why hasn't He put an end to it, as He did in the days of Noah, or in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah? While I ask that question at times, and even wish God would just finally put things right, I trust that He knows what He is doing. He will work out His plan on His timetable. Some day He will say "enough", but He'll do it when He's ready.

In the meantime we continue to live on in a world where evil abounds. How are we supposed to respond to that? I believe Jesus gave the answer in what we call the sermon on the mount. In Matthew 5: 13 - 16 Jesus said this.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

In a nutshell, Jesus said we are to be different from society's norm. Our very presence should make things taste better. Our lives should be like a warm light shining in darkness. 

In a world of violence Jesus said to be peacemakers. In a world of hate Jesus said love your enemies. In a world of immorality Jesus taught righteousness. In a world of greed Jesus said store up your treasures in heaven. In a world of darkness Jesus said "be light".

I realize I started this topic with some serious doom and gloom, but I have an important point to make. The point is that we have a vital role in a world where evil seems to have free reign. It is not to write letters or hold placards or sign petitions, though all of those things can be good at times. But our primary calling is to be like Jesus, a living demonstration of an alternative that is good and positive and attractive.

When the street lights come on at dusk, they are not particularly noticeable. As it gets darker and darker the light appears to be brighter and brighter. If the light becomes dim it has no value, but when it shines brightly in the dark of night it brings clarity and safety. I don't think there is any question that our world is becoming darker, but that means our light as Christians ought to be more and more obvious. The contrast of God's people to those who are without God should be the beacon that is impossible to miss. We should be attractive. We should be the warm light that promises a place of welcome and refuge to those who are wandering in the dark. 

Yes, the world is a dark place, and I fear for my grandchildren growing up in this darkness. Sometimes I get discouraged and just want God to wrap it all up. Well, one day He will do that, but until then we have a job to do. Our job is to be the salt that makes things taste better. Our job is to be the light that brings clarity to those in darkness. 

(Salt and light is one of the topics we will be looking at in our Grounded & Growing classes focusing on the sermon on the mount, beginning Feb 5)