We Christians have spent a lot of time and words talking about being a light.
Granted, there’s a good reason for that. Jesus calls Himself “the light of the world” in John 8:12.
We are told that those who walk in darkness “have seen a great light.” (Matthew 4:16)
John says the light had come into the world and darkness can never prevail against it. (John 1:5)
We are told not to hide our light but to put it on a stand so that people will see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:15-16)
All that sounds very good and it’s all true.
But on these warm summer nights, if you’ve ever left the porch light on for more than about 20 seconds, you know what is drawn out of the darkness into that light.
Yes, it’s the creepy crawlies.
We have a small dog that lives in our home with us. Actually, that sentence should rightfully say that my wife and I have allowed a nine-pound dog to live in our home and rule as Queen over us.
Her wants and needs are pretty much Royal Decree and she rules from her throne on the couch clothed in her Royal Blanket while she languishes in perpetual Ease and Majesty, occasionally enjoying a Treat and always being given the requisite attention, stroking, petting and scratching behind her royal ears due a True Sovereign.
Of course, Her Highness has to be let outside each night after the evening news before we head off to bed. And, because I have to watch to verify that the mission is accomplished and she has not been unduly insulted or distracted from her duty by the impertinence of that scoundrel and knave known as “The Cat” before she is let it, the light must be on.
Of course, the very thought of letting “Her Majesty” outside to do her business in the dark is preposterous.
“In the dark? Surely you jest.”
“We are not amused.”
Most nights at this time of year, I don’t go out there and stand among the bugs as it seems they are just as strongly attracted to my ears as they are to the porch light.
And, even if I have the lights off inside, it seems it’s impossible to let Her Majesty in without also inviting a wide assortment of moths and mosquitoes inside to share my…I mean the dog’s…castle with us.
Sadly, when I think about letting my light shine, I have more in common with Her Majesty than I would like to admit.
I mean, Jesus is great and everything, but what if someone, you know….kind of creepy wants to talk to me about Him?
Sure, it would be great to be a witness for Jesus, but really–some of those people who need Him most are kind of….well, you know what I mean.
Isn’t there a way we could just turn the light on and those people could come to the light and just stay out there with all the other bugs?
And, some of them could be dangerous. You know, there’s that Zika thing going around.
Or something really awful—like a June bug or a tree frog could get in!!
I guess I could cope with a moth or two, but not a TREE FROG!! AAACCCK!!
What’s that?
Well, yes… I guess I was kind of a tree frog myself at one time.
And, yes, I was outside in the darkness until the One True King let me into His kingdom and saved me and gave me a hope and future and loved me when I in no way deserved it.
And yes, now that you mention it, I am no better than any other creepy-crawly who falls short of the glory of God.
Today’s Praise
“Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” Matthew 21:31b (NIV)
(Thanks to Pastor Maurice Staley for the inspiration for this blog.)
I too pondered Pastor Staley's comment about "what is attracted to the light?" We must be a beacon! Good post!
Thank you!