The light of the gospel shines brightly in the darkness

When we look at the darkness in our world, it’s easy to become discouraged. But as Christians, you and I have tremendous hope! Not only does the increasing darkness mean that Jesus is coming soon, but we can take courage in this great truth:

As the world grows darker, the light of the gospel shines more brightly!

Friend, God didn’t leave us here on this earth to worry and complain about the state of our culture. He called us to shine the light of Christ. 

How do we do that? In Colossians 4:5–6, Paul gave us these simple instructions: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

We shine the light of the gospel through our conduct and our speech.

As Christians, we are to conduct our relationships in a way that makes people say, “I want what you have.” We ought to be the best neighbors, friends, and employees we can be, so that when unbelievers see the joy we have in following God, they want to know more about faith in Christ.

But it’s impossible to lead anyone to Christ by conduct alone. Some Christians think, I’ll just share Christ through my actions so I don’t risk offending anyone with my words. But no one can understand how to be saved only by observing the way you live. Words are always necessary to share the gospel. In this passage, Paul gave us two pointers for shining the light of Christ with our words:

• “Let your speech always be with grace.” There’s no reason to be arrogant or brash toward unbelievers. Luke 4:22 says of Jesus, “Gracious words . . . were falling from His lips.” The gospel may be offensive to some unbelievers, but we don’t have to be offensive in sharing it.

• “Seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Salt enhances flavor and creates thirst. We do the same by tailoring our message to people’s interests and needs. When Jesus talked to an educated Jew, He used an illustration from the Old Testament (John 3). But when He spoke with a Samaritan getting water from a well, He offered her “living water” to satisfy her spiritual thirst (John 4).

If you and I are going to make a difference in this dark world, we must be ready to shine the light of Christ with our actions and words.

I encourage you to pray, as Paul did, “that God will open up to [you] a door for the word, so that [you] may speak forth the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3). Be warned: This is a prayer the Lord loves to answer!

Think about the people you see often: your neighbor, your friend, your coworker, the checkout person at the supermarket, and so on. If you want to shine the light of the gospel in this dark world, then start by simply having a conversation.

The doors God opens for sharing the gospel may be subtle. It’s unlikely that someone will ask you, “How can I go to heaven?” But they might reveal they’re struggling in their marriage. You should be empathetic, but you can also share the lasting solution to their problem—a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Or someone might vent their frustrations about politics. You can say, “I’m concerned about our country too. But may I share why no political leader can solve our deepest problems, and why I’m looking to another Leader?” Use that opportunity to point to the hope of Christ.

Like you, I’m looking forward to the day when Jesus will make all things new. But until then, I hope you’ll join me in shining the light of the gospel in your conduct and speech, making the most of the opportunities God gives you in these dark days.

Sharing the Truth of God’s Word,

Dr. Robert Jeffress