I’ve seen this scene over and over again.
Imagine, if you will, a large church.
This building is filled with life, love, and light. The brightest you ever saw!
There is a warm glow that basks everyone and everything. It is comforting, wondrous and delightful.
As you glance around this building, you begin to notice… the doors are closed, and the windows are boarded up. Curious.
Suddenly the door cracks open, and the cold black night of the outside is exposed.
You hear someone scream:
Close the door! Don’t let the darkness in!
Church, Why must we confine our aspirations to merely assembling everyone inside these walls? This building is not the light. Jesus is the light, and his light illuminates within every authentic disciple.
Why do we dread the darkness?
We are apprehensive that the "world's" darkness will contaminate and ruin us. We are hesitant to depart from the church's confines, to confront the evil and darkness of the world. We implore, "lock the door, keep it out, and keep us in."
The magnificent truth is this: Light is always stronger than darkness.
The beam of pure light from a small flashlight can pierce the darkness.
Darkness can never extinguish light. Light always triumphs over darkness.
Matthew 5:14-16 states,
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
The church building is not a citadel.
The Lord is our stronghold.
The church is a training camp for the battles that lie ahead.
We must not fear the darkness, for we have been sent out into it. As long as we carry the light and love of Christ in our hearts, the darkness can never vanquish us.
Fear not, go out, and shine for him!