Carry The Light

​As a kid, I remember my mom or dad would usually come to my bedroom to tuck me in at night. Then, before they would leave the room, I would often ask them to leave my bedroom door cracked open and the hallway light on. Like many kids, I was scared of the dark. In the dark, my imagination would run wild. Seeing that sliver of light from the hallway was enough to comfort me and enabled me to feel safe enough to fall asleep.
 
As I got older, the hallway light would be turned off, but we always had a night light plugged into the wall in the hallway. It’s amazing how a little glow of light can bring so much comfort.
 
Recently, Jennie Allen came to speak at my church’s annual Women’s Conference. Although I have heard Jennie speak through the IF: Gathering live streams, this was my first time hearing her speak in person.

Jennie is passionate about making disciples. She spoke about how God has a purpose for each of our lives and that He has given us unique gifts to fulfill that purpose. She encouraged us to surrender our lives to God and to boldly share our faith with others.
 
Jennie Allen said, “We carry the light. We run to the dark.”
 
Days later, I’m still thinking about this quote. I remember how just a little bit of light comforted me at night as a child. And how, as an adult, just a little bit of hope has enabled me to persevere through difficult times. That hope has come through having a relationship with Jesus.
 
Matthew 5: 14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
 
What does it mean to let our light shine? Well, I believe that means our words and actions should point people to Jesus, the true light of the world (John 8:12).
 
In a world full of darkness, there should be a noticeable difference in our lives if we are followers of Christ. The Holy Spirit will help us display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities reflect Christ’s nature. Of course, we still have a sinful nature, so we won’t display these characteristics all of the time, but it should be evident that we love the light (Jesus).

Besides carrying the light of Christ, Jennie Allen said that we are to run to the dark. This implies a sense of urgency. It also implies that we shouldn’t stay where we are.
 
As Christians, we should be eager to share the hope we have because of Jesus. This may require us to step outside our comfort zones and spend time with people who are far away from Jesus. We can confidently go into the darkness, though, because we know the light will illuminate our path.
 
As followers of Christ, every day we have the opportunity to carry the light into our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and places of work. May the light we carry point others to the light of the world.