Let Your Light Shine

John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

As believers, we have two forces working within us. We are born with one, our sin nature, which is darkness. We receive the other when the Light of Jesus shines into our lives and we accept His grace through faith. Those in darkness who do not realize it tend to be content with their situation because they are unaware that there is another way. They have grown comfortable with their lives and see no need for a change as they draw nearer and nearer to Hell. The conflict begins when the Light shines into their dark lives and shows them the true nature of their existence. As with anyone who has been in a dark room for an extended period of time and the light suddenly comes on, they will usually try to cover their eyes to block it out at first until they get used to it and can enjoy the benefit of being able to see. However, some people are so comfortable in their darkness that they get angry about the light and even lash out at the one who turned it on.

We see it in the news every day. One atheist group or another is always screaming about some "injustice" that has been committed toward them, most often by Christians. They whine about how intolerant and bigoted we are. They call us hateful and accuse us of all manner of evil. They call us "homophobic" because we believe that homosexuality is a sin. They call us "islamophobic" because we speak up about the evils of Islam, how they are taught in their book that they should kill anyone who does not convert. They want to do away with prayer in public, and even want to dictate what can and cannot be preached in our churches. They want to remove any mention of God from the public, unless it's something sacrilegious. If they want the ten commandments removed from courthouses, I think they would have more success if they changed their strategy. Instead of claiming it offends them, they should point out that posting things like, "Thou shalt not covet," "Thou shalt not bear false witness," and "Thou shalt not steal," in a building full of lawyers creates a hostile work environment for them.

Earlier today, Mike Huckabee posted this on his Facebook page:

"After 9/11, two steel beams were found in the World Trade Center rubble, fused into the shape of a cross. The Ground Zero Cross inspired so many people, it’s now in the Ground Zero Museum. But some atheists are suing to remove it. They call it “offensive and repugnant” and claimed its very existence gave them stomach aches, depression, headaches, anxiety, and mental pain and anguish. They dropped that silly claim after a state court tossed their suit. But now, they’re appealing to a federal court. The American Center for Law and Justice filed a brief arguing that acknowledging history is not establishing a state religion, or else we’d have to remove all religious paintings from public art museums. Hey, don’t give them any ideas! The court gave the atheists until July 14th to explain why their personal offense constitutes a Constitutional crisis. They might also ponder this: If a cross has that much power over them, are they sure they’re atheists?"

I thought Governor Huckabee's closing question was brilliant.

Romans 1:20-21

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

The fact that they are so vicious in their attacks against us is proof that deep down they know the truth, but are too comfortable in their sin and want to remain there. If they truly did not believe that God exists, then what would be the point of wasting all that energy and time attacking Him and His followers? They call us crazy for believing in a God we cannot see, but isn't it crazier to be angry with a God you do not believe exists? Their attacks are not really against us, but against Christ. They cannot get to Him directly, so they take it out on us since we belong to Him. Jesus said in John 7:7, "The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil."

Matthew 5:14-16

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

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.