Not Just Accent Lighting

Weekend Word with Keith Garner

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, he puts it on its stand so that those who come in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33 NIV)

The worldwide web can often feel like one of the darkest spaces in the human experience. So why do Christians sometimes hesitate to bring the light of the gospel into that space?

There are few things more comforting than walking into a dark room and flipping on the light switch. In an instant, the room transforms from a shadowy cave into a warm and welcoming space. It is the overhead light that are placed high and uncovered, that push back the darkness.

Light is most effective in dark places. A lamp turned on in an already bright room hardly makes a noticeable difference. Some lights in our homes are purely decorative. They are often called accent or mood lighting. They are not meant to illuminate the room, only to highlight a feature.

But the light of our faith is not meant to be decoration, it is meant to dispel darkness.

It is not an accent to our personality. It is not spiritual jewelry we wear around our neck. It is meant to flood our hearts, exposing anything that competes with the Lordship of Jesus. Then it is meant to shine outwardly, so that those who come near can see.

As media ministers and church volunteers, we are uniquely positioned to place the light on a stand. Whether in the sanctuary or online, we are not called to dim the light or tuck it safely away. We are called to let it shine where darkness is thickest.

As we serve this week, let’s refuse to treat our faith like accent lighting. Let’s place it on the stand. Let’s allow Christ to illuminate us fully. Let Him shine through us so that everyone who comes near may see His light.

— Keith Garner