"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."
Read: Isaiah 60, James 3:13-18, 1 John 1:4-7
Mid-July is a time of year when some are wrapping up summer school or the latest term, some are finishing up break, others are already back to the daily routine of academic life, and still others are retired or moving on to another chapter of their lives. In which category do you find yourself today? Each of these situations can evoke a mix of emotions, challenges, and benefits. Deliberately filtering our reactions to our situations through the light of God's glory will certainly lead us to positive outcomes. Do you recognize God's light in your life? Are you reflecting that light to others?
We only need to turn on the news to understand that our world is shadowed in darkness. However, in a world of darkness and violence, our Lord is risen, our light is come. The glory of the Lord "shall be seen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:2). As we go about our daily lives, let's seek joy in knowing that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:4). To share this joy and light with others, we must "walk in light, as he is in the light," having "fellowship one with another" (1 John 1: 7). In seeking to live a light-filled life, our words and actions have great influence on the people around us. How we respond to students, colleagues, friends, family, and community members during times of tension can influence their thoughts and behaviors as well as their reactions to us. On a grander scale, it can even shape their opinions of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
A light-filled life is filled with God's wisdom, which "is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (James 3:17-18). Let's seek to make peace.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we come to you in prayer seeking light and peace. Thank you for shining the light of your glory on us so that we can begin to see and understand more about both the heavenly home that awaits us and how we can live throughout our current life circumstances with your light to illuminate a better path for us and those we influence. Please lead us to make decisions that ultimately reflect your glory and lead disciples to you. We serve you and ask for these blessings in Christ's name. Amen.
