Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
We Grow In The Light
“But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin. If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:7-8 NCV).
Light is essential for all life on earth. Many plants will alter their growth to maximize the amount of light that their leaves can capture. I love watching sunflowers move as the sun changes positions in the sky.
The secular world thinks intimacy occurs in the dark, but true intimacy only occurs in the light. Jesus taught us in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” True intimacy is a close relationship with Jesus Christ and that comes when we bring our entire life to His light, which is the only true light. He is the light of the world!
We tend to use darkness to hide our hurts, faults, fears, failures and flaws. But in the light, we bring them all out into the open and admit who we really are. I am reminded of the story in John 3 of Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, but he knew that God was with Jesus. It is important to note that in the second verse of John 3 it begins, “He came to Jesus at night…” (John 3:2). Nicodemus was using the darkness to hide his fear of being seen with Jesus. This is ironic because he was using darkness as a cover to go see the light of the world.
For us as Christians to grow we need meaningful relationships. This requires us to be authentic and humble. This is the only way to grow spiritually and be emotionally healthy. In this atmosphere, we can bring our sins out to the light among our trusted friends. James 5:16 teaches, “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed” (James 5:16).
Authenticity is rare today. It only happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. It happens when people share their hurts, reveal their true feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, and ask for help and prayer.
If we become open about our lives, we experience the blessing of authentic fellowship. The Bible instructs, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). What a friend we have in Jesus!
Prayer: As a moth is attracted to an artificial light, our souls are attracted to you dear God – the light of the world. Continue to draw us closer to your way, truth, and light. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Why Is There So Much Anger Out There?
Why Is There So Much Anger Out There? “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18 NIV).Have you noticed a change in people in recent years? I sure have. I think it has been accelerated by COVID-19 and sadly will probably get worse before it gets better. We have become meaner, more aggressive, more entitled, less patient, less appreciative, less respectful, and less forgiving. How can this be in a country in which approximately ¾ of the adult population identifies as Christian? Aren’t Christians called to “act justly, love mercy, and walk... -
Real Faith Has Works
Real Faith Has Works “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? (James 2:14 NIV). Most surveys show that the vast majority of Americans self-identify as Christians and have faith in God. This is great, but James 2:14 puts this in context. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?”In my Bible, the heading for Hebrews 11 reads “Faith in Action” and the first verse of chapter 11 teaches, “Now faith is confidence in... -
The Precious Gift of Time
The Precious Gift of Time “Use your time in the best way you can” (Colossians 4:5 ICB). I recently had a nice visit with a young man at my church. He told me that he was about to graduate high school and study engineering in college so he could “make a lot of money.” I told him there is nothing wrong with making a lot of money. I reminded him that the founder of the Methodist church, John Wesley, had a profound statement in this regard. Wesley stated, “Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly saved all you can, then give all you can.” Clearly,...