Shine the light of Jesus in this dark world

Have you noticed that, in many ways, the twenty-first century is similar to the first century? Like the early church, Christians today are a minority in a pagan culture, and we’re confronted on every side with hostility, ignorance, immorality, and despair. Sadly, even in America—a nation founded on biblical principles—those of us who trust in Jesus and obey God’s Word are being mocked, threatened, and silenced.

Friend, as painful and disheartening as these things are for you and me, Jesus knew these days were coming. 

In Matthew 24:9–12, Jesus told His disciples, “You will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” 

Doesn’t that sound familiar? A reflection of today’s headlines? 

But Jesus doesn’t want us to surrender to the culture. Instead, He asks us to be salt and light in a dark world that has lost its thirst for God.

How do you and I go about being salt and light today? In Philippians 2:12–18, the apostle Paul gave us practical guidelines for godly living in a godless world.

First, Paul said we are responsible for godly living. Philippians 2:12 says, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” The Greek term for “work out” refers to working a farm to produce the best crop possible. That’s what Paul was saying about salvation. We can’t work for our salvation, but we can work it out to yield the best results possible. For example, you can pray, “God, help me know Your Word.” But you have to set the alarm clock earlier every day. It takes effort to live a godly life. 

We’re not only responsible for our own godly living, but Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us we are also responsible for passing our faith to the next generation. No matter how much we try to shield our children and grandchildren from what is happening in the world, young people are being bombarded with ungodliness and temptations. It’s imperative for us to train the children in our lives in the ways of God. 

Second, Paul reminded us we have a resource for godly living. He said, “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Notice that while you are working out your salvation, God is at work in you. If you’re a Christian, God has given you the Holy Spirit, who is working in your life right now, generating in you both the desire and ability to obey God. 

Third, Paul explained our reason for godly living. Why should you and I resist the culture and stand strong on God’s Word? Paul said, “So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world ” (2:15). God wants your life to be like a big, shining spotlight that illuminates Him. 

When Christians stand together to shine the light of Jesus in this dark world, we will become a beacon of hope to America.

Finally, Paul talked about our reward for godly living. He said, “Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all” (2:17). There is a cost to godly living in our godless world. But Paul confirmed our heavenly reward in 2 Timothy 2:11–12: “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him.” 

Friend, you and I are faced with a choice: Do we remain silent and go along with our culture, or do we obey God and commit to living a life that glorifies Him? 

In a time when the Christian values we hold dear are being rejected and scorned, you and I must stand together on God’s Word and shine forth the biblical principles of faith, family, and freedom that have guided our great nation. 

Sharing the truth of God’s Word,

Dr. Robert Jeffress