“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me…My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.” Acts 22:6-11
My mother had the obnoxious habit of bursting into my room, throwing back the curtains, and flicking on the light as she sang-sung, “Rise and shine.” As a sleep-deprived teenager who preferred cave-like darkness, I’d groan, shove the pillow over my face, and mumble, “Go away.” That blast of light hurt my eyes. I needed time to adjust.
In Acts, Saul was blinded by a bright light. It was the beginning of his conversion experience. However, I think for most people, who have been living in darkness for a while, the outcome is not as positive. Christians who are filled with the Light of Truth, may not realize that they come on too strong. Our darkness-dwelling friends scrunch their spiritual eyes and mumble “Go away.” However, if we expose them to the love and light of Christ a little at a time, it just might open their eyes to His mercy and grace.
We should keep this in mind when it comes to our non-Christian family and acquaintances. Our concern for their eternal destination may spur a misguided urgency which might cause them to shun the Light instead of drawing near.
The best way to lead someone to Christ may not be to blast it in their eyes, but to let it glow from within us through our acts and words.
Let the Lord determine the wattage needed to illuminate their path. He, more than we, know how much adjustment each would-be believer needs before they choose to come into His brilliant presence.
Precious Lord, You are the Light of the world, and have given us the humbled privilege to help light others’ path to You. Keep us mindful that each must journey at their own pace. May we allow You to shine through at the rate You know their faith-eyes can handle instead of blasting them with our fervency. Amen.
Thought: The next time you wish to witness to a non-believer, pray first for the Lord to guide the amount and intensity of His Light He desires you to shine forth.
By Julie Cosgrove
used by permission
FURTHER READING
Story of Shining Your Light – by Katherine Kehler
The Light of the World – Poem by Albino Kumiro
Light in a Dark World – by Vonette Bright
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