That’s pretty awesome, but it’s also a challenge

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12 NIV)

 The world can seem a pretty dark place at times—a loved one going through a scary illness, a child struggling with bullying, a story on the news about a tragedy or natural disaster.
 Darkness can also enter our relationships through bitterness, resentment, the feeling of being misunderstood, or the refusal to try to understand. And sometimes we make poor choices or give in to our weaknesses, letting the darkness create rifts and wounds that can last a long time.
 The most oppressive darkness is helpless in the presence of the light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5)
 Jesus also says, “You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16)
 In these mirrored passages, Jesus, who is the light of the world, in turn calls His followers the light of the world. That’s pretty awesome, but it’s also a challenge. No matter how dark the world may seem at times, it is both our responsibility and privilege to shine His light into the darkest corners of the world, so that people everywhere can have the opportunity to see and come to know Him for themselves. —Ronan Keane [1]

 I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking God to do His work through me. —Hudson Taylor (1832–1905)

[1] Activated Light vs. Dark