Devotions by Christine Caine

Read Matthew 5:14–16

Believers are instructed to let the light of love in their lives shine for those who are walking in darkness.

Lighting Up the World

Our daughter Catherine is obsessed with flashlights. She is constantly taking our emergency flashlights from the drawer and carrying them around with her. When she first discovered them, she would walk around all day with a flashlight by her side, shining it everywhere. The only problem was that during the day, it really didn’t have much of an effect. I would try to explain to her that flashlights are really not of great use during the day. After all, how much can you illuminate a room that is already well lit? But you know how kids are—most of their fun is had in discovering new things.

I remember the first time Catie actually “got it” when it came to how a flashlight was really supposed to be used. Nick and I were putting her to bed, and we turned off all the lights so that it was pitch black. It was priceless to see the look on her face when Nick turned the flashlight on and she realized how bright the beam was in a dark room. We thought this realization would alleviate Catherine’s need to tote the light around with her throughout the day. However, it had the opposite effect! We had unwittingly made it even more of an adventure for her. Now, every day was a challenge for her to find the darkest places she could so that she could light a path for all her toys to find their way.

For the next two weeks, my afternoons were spent in the dark as Catherine took my hand and guided me through the maze of furniture. Just the thought of me hurting myself in the dark deeply concerned her, as was evidenced by her shining the flashlight meticulously in every possible corner. She was so proud that with her little light, she was able to bring me to a place of safety.

This is a perfect illustration of how we as Christians are to be in this world. Just as Catherine was so excited to shine her light for me, we are called to shine our spiritual lights for others. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Those of us who are followers of Jesus have the privilege to walk in his light and to experience the life that is illuminated by his Word. But this light within us is not just for ourselves—it is meant to be shared with the whole world.

Point to Ponder

Do you see yourself as a light in this dark world? That is what God says you are. Every time you reach out to others, you are bringing light into their lives.