Be the light in the darkness and show others the way

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24: What an honourable challenge you will face as a Christian living in a very permissive world.

In a world that has turned upside-down, you will be challenged to yet speak right, according to The Word of God.

In this world, you will be called a hater because of your love for the standard and truth of God’s Holy Word.

People, it is what it is. The Word of God to the people of faith is holy, undefiled and most precious.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

I am more than sure that as sin increases in its acceptance, gains the spotlight, and is even viewed as normal, many will continue to plummet a sword of criticism and disgust towards the church.

Indeed, the church will be deemed by some to be everything but a church representing the true and living God.

The church that is criticized is the same church where they married, attended weddings, had their children christened, and attended funerals. However, now it is the church they cannot stand.

Many will stand in a church for their own reasons, and so the church becomes useful only for those ceremonial occasions. Interesting. I think a church is needed.

Though the church of today in Bermuda may not face the literal sword of persecution, she does face the sword of words.

Cutting, thrashing, and slashing comments, hurled viciously towards the church, are meant to silence the giant standards held up by the church.

Have you made up your mind to fight the good fight of faith?

Well, let me encourage you. Folks, it really does not matter what standard the world has or even what our Bermuda has. No. As Christians, you must stand on the Word of God, and that means standing no matter what.

Isaiah 9:2

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Matthew 5:14

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

You are going to sound contrary. You are going to sound unreasonable. You are going to sound even unwavering. Well, yes! You must stand in the immutable Word of God.

Even when all else around you is shaking and changing, you, child of God, must stand on The Word of God.

The greater the darkness, the more obvious the light. Isn’t that true? Therefore, know that you will stand out like a sore thumb as you refuse to diminish the power of Jesus Christ in your life. 

You will be hated of mankind because they simply do not see what you see.

No matter. Shine forth anyway. Be light. Shine forth and show someone the way to The Cross of Calvary.  Show someone the way to salvation through no other name but the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

As light, you will be different. You will be targeted because you will easily be seen amongst darkness.

Do not fear. Love. Perfect love will annihilate fear. Perfect love from God will cause you to yet live in joy and peace amongst those who hate your light.

Warning! Do not reward the hatred, disdain and demonic attacks coming at you because you are a Christian. Oh no.

Instead, show the power, grace, love, and mercy of walking in forgiveness. For they are linked by another lesser light and they know not what they do.

Christian, it could be, that by your shining forth that another will be won to The Kingdom of Light. Therefore, light it up!

Light up the world with your light of glorious love! Someone desires to escape the dark place and your light will lead them home.

Again, I say, shine forth.  Blessings abound.

Dr Maria A Seaman is the pastor of Shekinah Worship Centre, North Shore, Hamilton Parish.