Light or Heat?

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

We get ourselves into situations when we want to add some light to a situation, but only seem to bring unwanted and unnecessary heat instead. At least I find that I do, maybe unintentionally, but it can happen anyway. Jesus words are clear, He is the light, not us, and we are to be like Him.

Arguments invariably cause friction, or heat and don’t help. A good evenly balanced discussion out of respect can bring light, and isn’t that what we ultimately want? Christians are usually on a hiding to nothing, because our views are now being seen as extreme, intolerant, and so we find ourselves at the edge of society and being marginalised by politicians and in fact anyone who disagrees with our views, no matter how conciliatory or reasoned we try to be.

Recent events have thrown up another problem. There are people who are very anti-Christian, and even atheistic, lying in wait, ready to ambush the unsuspecting pilgrim who just wants to follow his Lord. The internet is particularly well placed to act as the medium of choice for the enemy of the faith. Twitter and Facebook are often in the news for all the wrong reasons, because social media is hijacked by some who have no scruples. Even the simple Blog post can be shanghaied by those who may trawl the internet search engines, looking for a prime target to discredit. So how do we respond to these unwelcome and hostile attacks? The following verses show that we must recognise the work of the devil, and deal with his agents in a civil but steadfast manner, always mindful of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and His grace which always covers us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Peter 5:8,9 NKJV  

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. Ephesians 5:8-12 NKJV