Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)
Last month, as I was driving, I noticed several cars with missing or malfunctioning lights. Some had a headlight out, others a taillight, and even trailers with lights that weren’t on. In each case, there were some lights—but they weren’t complete. I could have chalked it up to needed repairs, but I felt like God was nudging me to consider a deeper truth.
After musing a bit, I decided that it comes back to being fully equipped to show light.
How do we keep our cars fully equipped so their lights are effective? It takes a bit of time to make sure all systems are operating at full capacity. We can’t skip over repairs that need to be made. We need to be sure the lights are connected to the source of electricity and their bulbs are functioning. And, of course, the switch needs to be “on” in order for the lights to work.
Just as a car’s lights only work when connected, intact, and switched on, our influence in the world can only shine fully when we are aligned with God. Skipping spiritual “maintenance”—prayer, worship, studying His Word, and listening to His voice—dims our light, but when we allow God to recharge us, repair what’s broken, and reconnect us to His power, we become fully equipped to illuminate the world around us. Quiet time with Him keeps our faith charged, our hearts healthy, and our spirits “switched on,” enabling us to shine brightly as salt and light in every circumstance.
The question for us is this: Are all our lights on? Are there areas of our lives that need attention before our influence can fully reflect God? We can’t ignore the repairs or skip the recharge. Instead, we must invite God to reconnect us to His power, repair what’s broken, and switch our lights to “on.” When we do, we can step out confidently, knowing that our lives will illuminate the path for others, pointing them to Christ and the hope only He can bring.
God,
You are the Light of the World and the Light of our lives. Thank you for your call to draw near to you so that you can work within us the healing, restoration, and recharge we need. Give us hearts to lay aside the cares and worries of this world, and to focus on you, and you alone, in our quiet times. May our lives fully reflect your Light within us, we pray in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 ESV)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)