“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12, NIV)." The recent attacks in Charlottesville, Virginia and Barcelona, Spain is evidence that many walk around in spiritual darkness.

I saw a social media post recently that asked, "With all that is going on in the world, where does God fit in?" That's a good question.

The answer is God fits in when people let Him in.

But part of the problem is what some people consider "letting God in". It is not a half-hearted, politically charged, socially acceptable confession of being a Christian. When people do that they demonstrate what everybody recognizes as hypocrisy. Christian love takes a back seat to humanity's agenda.

But God's agenda is not self-focused; and He fits in when we let Him in! Let Him guide your behavior toward other people of all colors, types, creeds and ethnic origins. He doesn't magnify the differences. He consolidates the differences, making us into a people with common interests, void of hate and debate.

Letting God fit in means making a decision to reflect His light in a world that is being taken over by darkness! You must choose light or choose darkness. If you choose light, and it is our prayer that you do - you will have to stand firm. Don't fall into the trap of being so outraged that you go on an emotional tirade and forget who you are.

Doing that will lead to emotional overtones of wrath and violence. That's dangerous because it can turn you into a new version of the very thing you despise. Remember, you are the light of the world. Let it shine so that others may see clearly and respond with wisdom, and Godly fervor.

When the Light of the world steps down into spiritual darkness, His light of love terminates hate.

LET’S PRAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the light of life through your son, Jesus Christ. Today we ask You for the strength and presence of mind to shine brightly to people all around the world.

Give us hearts that create and cultivate love and dispels hate. People need the light of Jesus Christ to shine upon their hearts to remove sin. Quicken our thoughts to take action that will promote your Kingdom agenda.

We reject humanity's ways of fixing problems and choose your way, which is tried and perfect.

Fill our tongues with wise words to answer the ignorance and hatred around us.

Fill our hearts with peace to understand how to behave.

And fill our lives with opportunities to share our hope, your wisdom and the peace that will only fit in when we let You in.

Let the light of your love terminate hate, in the name of Jesus, amen.

Inspiring Hope and Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean