Finding Light in Dark Times: A Call to Christian Action

In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and divided, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounds us. Recent events have left many of us grappling with a range of emotions: anger, sadness, frustration, and even fear. But as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently. We are called to be light in this dark world.

The book of Ephesians offers us guidance on how to navigate these turbulent times. In chapter 4, verses 26-32, we find a roadmap for Christian behavior that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written:

"Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil... Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers... Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

This passage challenges us to examine our hearts and actions in three key areas:

1. Bringing Our Anger to God, Not Against Others

Anger itself is not a sin. Even Jesus displayed righteous anger at times, particularly when confronted with injustice and hypocrisy. However, we must be cautious of misplaced anger. When we direct our anger towards people rather than sin, it can fester into bitterness, retaliation, and hatred.

As Christians, we should be known more for who we're for than what we're against. We're for King Jesus and His will being done on earth as it is in heaven. This doesn't mean remaining silent in the face of injustice, but it does mean approaching these issues with the heart of Jesus.

Consider the contrast between Jesus' righteous anger towards the Pharisees and His heartfelt lament over Jerusalem. Even as He called out their hypocrisy, His ultimate desire was to gather them under His wings like a mother hen with her chicks. We must cultivate this same balance of truth and love.

2. Responding with Words That Heal, Not Wound

In a time when our nation is loud with division and outrage, the church must be different. Our words should not be filled with hate, but rather be grace-giving, truth-telling, and life-bringing. Every conversation we have, whether in person or online, is an opportunity to either lift people up and point them towards Jesus or push them further away.

As the Proverb says, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). Our words have the power to be bridges for the broken or weapons for the wounded. Let's choose to build bridges, to be stepping stones to Jesus rather than stumbling blocks.

3. Forgiving as We've Been Forgiven

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of our Christian walk is the call to forgiveness. It's easy to hold onto grudges, to let bitterness take root in our hearts. But bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The only antidote is forgiveness.

Forgiveness doesn't mean excusing evil or avoiding justice. It means refusing to let hatred poison our hearts. At the cross, Jesus absorbed the world's worst violence and still said, "Father, forgive them." This is our pattern, our example. We who have been forgiven an infinite debt must extend that same grace to others.

As Lewis Smedes beautifully put it, "Forgiveness is setting a prisoner free only to discover the prisoner was you."

Living Out Our Calling

So how do we put these principles into practice in our daily lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Before you post, reply, or let anger spill out, pray it out. Take your frustrations to God before taking them to people in public.

2. Choose kindness. In a world gone mad, simple acts of kindness can be revolutionary.

3. Guard your heart. Be aware of the media you consume and the conversations you engage in. Don't let bitterness take root.

4. Speak up for truth, but always in love. We can stand firm on God's Word without being harsh or judgmental.

5. Prioritize what truly matters. In light of eternity, many of our daily frustrations pale in comparison to the importance of sharing the hope of Christ.

6. Be a light in your sphere of influence. Whether it's at school, work, or in your neighborhood, look for ways to shine the light of Christ.

Remember, we cannot control what happens in our world, but we can control how we respond. We take our anger to God, not to others. We speak words that heal, not harm. And we forgive because we've been forgiven.

As we navigate these challenging times, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. The darker it gets, the brighter our light can shine. As Adrian Rogers once said, "It's getting dark, but it's getting gloriously dark." The crazier this world becomes, the closer we are to seeing our Savior face to face.

Let this hope fuel our mission. There's work to be done, souls to be reached, and a world in desperate need of the light of Christ. May we be found faithful, shining brightly until that glorious day when we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

In closing, let's reflect on the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

May we take these words to heart and shine brightly in these dark times, always pointing others to the ultimate source of light and hope, Jesus Christ.