Before God brought order to the universe, it was dark, formless and empty. He spoke and light appeared. The light separated itself from the darkness. It brought clarity. Paul uses the same imagery to describe our spiritual condition before and after salvation. We were once darkness, but God has made us light. Because of His light we are able to shine light on others and draw them to Him. Paul didn’t just tell people how to live; he showed them. When he and Silas were chained in a Roman prison, they prayed and sang praises to God. God caused an earthquake that unfastened the prisoners’ chains and opened the prison doors. However, Paul made sure no one escaped so that the Roman guard would not be executed for letting the prisoners get away. In all liklihood, the guard was abusive and uncaring, yet Paul showed him grace, and as a result he and his family came to know Christ. When you glow for God, people notice and God moves in miraculous ways.

Scriptures
Eph 5:8-10, 13-17; Gen 1:1-3; Acts 16:25-31

Verse
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Gen 1:1-3) For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. (Eph 5:8-10)

Thought
If you are a Christian and you are not shining, then either you are hiding your glow or you are allowing Satan to blow it out. The Holy Spirit can reignite your fire if you ask him. If your glow is diminished you may be in danger of it going out. Here are three things that seriously diminish your glow: 1) When your words and actions are not in sync. It all has to line up. People are watching. 2) When you allow life’s situations to dictate your glow. If you only glow when life is going your way and then allow distress and worry to dim your light, you are not shining consistently. 3) When you do not care for people first. Glowing with the love of God always puts people first. Jesus took time for those around him, those in need, those whom others cast aside. Caring for others sustains a glow that illuminates those around you. A hypocrite is one who acts in contrast to his/her stated beliefs. Think about it!

Questions
If you are in extreme darkness and come out into bright light, what happens? How is this similar to coming from the darkness of sin into the light of the Lord? Why do some people prefer living in darkness? Do you have friends that are uncomfortable around you because of your light? If so, explain. How is your glow? On a scale of 1-10 how many lumens would you give yourself? If you gave yourself less than 9 or 10, why? How were Paul and Silas able to sing and praise God and show grace to the guard in the midst of severe trials? What’s the secret to the brightest glow?

Response
Think about the people you associate with who are not Christians. Assess whether your glow is having an impact on them. If not, refer to the thoughts above. Examine your glow for consistency and brightness. Read God’s Word. It is the fuel for your flame. Any glow you have will diminish and go out if you are not consistently reading God’s Word, praying and sharing in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Dear Lord, may my words and actions be a witness to your presence in my life. I want my friends and loved ones to come to know you. Make me a light for drawing them to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.