But everything exposed by the light becomes visible. (Eph. 5:13)

We sit together, flashlight in hand, a picture book between us. Tonight we read about planes and airports. But this book is not typical. Each two-page spread has a large picture-portion that is entirely blank. As I read, my daughter adjusts the flashlight underneath that page so that it shines through the blank part on top, exposing a secret picture. We turn the page and read about the X-ray machine that passengers place their belongings in before boarding the plane. Maryn shines our little light up through the dark area, and sure enough, a white picture of a wallet, books, and other carry-on paraphernalia are exposed, bright as day.

I imagine Paul might have used this book as he explained that whatever the light shines on becomes exposed—a light itself even! Paul impressed upon his hearers that the light of Christian communities exposed the world’s darkness and attracted the dark to the light because they lived so differently from the prevailing culture. Their differences were beautiful, engaging, desirable! So much so that the dark would be drawn nearer to the light, close enough even that it would be transformed by God and become light, too!

Our method of living—good, beautiful, Christ-lit lives—plays a crucial role in reconciling the world to Jesus. We must attract others to the Light-Giver, the One who creates light from darkness!

Live a life that contrasts the darkness—and attracts it, too!

Jamie Hilty lives in Goshen, Indiana. Singing, story-sharing, and creating bring her joy. She’s grateful her pastor-husband shares his office and parents their kids so she can put words on paper.

© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.