Written by: Beloved By Him

Did you know that all Christians have a halo?

Of course I’m not seriously implying that we have some golden ring hovering over our heads.  It could more accurately be described as a halo “effect.”  It’s the light of Christ’s life in us, changing us to be more like Him, and causing the world to notice something is different about us…something they don’t understand. 

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”  John 1:4-5

The world around us is filled with darkness.  Not the dark of nighttime, but of sin.  Those who live apart from God, separated from His life and salvation, are still living in the dark.  They can’t perceive God or His ways, and they don’t want to.  The bible says that since the beginning of time, people have loved darkness rather than light.  They don’t want their sins to be seen for what they are, and they refuse to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, so they stay away from a relationship with God, so that they won’t be exposed as sinners in need of grace.

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:19-21   

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we’re called out of that darkness and into the marvelous light of God’s abiding presence (I Peter 2:9).  It’s like we had been living in a pitch black room, where we stumbled around trying to make some sense of this world, and all of a sudden, the entire room—ceiling, floor, walls, the air itself—is completely illuminated with light.  We can now see ourselves for who we really are.  We can see those things that were causing us to stumble when we lived in the dark.  We may not understand everything, but at least we don’t have to live in helpless frustration.  We can ask God for the wisdom of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us from purposely tripping on our old sins.  Our life is no longer defined by darkness, but by the brilliant glory of God Himself, the source and giver of the light in our hearts and lives.

“For it is God Who commanded light to shine out of darkness, Who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” II Corinthians 4:6

Our new life in Christ should be lived in the light, out in the open, and far removed from the things we used to do in the darkness of our old hearts (Ephesians 5:8-9).   We can’t have a true relationship with God and keep one foot in the shadows, trying to hold onto our secret sins.  There is no darkness or desire for sin in God at all, and we’re called to walk in the light with Him, where there is fellowship and forgiveness.

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”  I John 1:5-7

Living in the light also means knowing and applying God’s word to our lives.  God promises us that His word will be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). The Bible gives us wisdom and understanding, shedding light on God’s plans and purposes, teaching us His unchangeable truth, and revealing His character to us.  When we live our lives according to His word, we will also be a light to others, as they are drawn to the transforming power of God’s light in us. 

“You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14a-16

Every day is now a choice.  We can choose to walk with God in the light, where we will learn and experience more of Him and His love and grace.   We can practice righteousness, doing those things that are pleasing to God, and living a life that is full of peace and the blessings of obedience.  Others will see the change in us, and it may even lead some of them out of the darkness and towards Jesus.  Or, we can try to hide from the light, closing our eyes as we sin, and pretending that we are in a place where God won’t see, even though all darkness is as light to Him (Psalm 139:11-12).   Was there really anything in the old darkness that would be worth going back to, now that we have seen the light, and we know that it’s Jesus?

“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

Sisters, choose Christ, the Life.  Choose the light.

***PS here’s Toby Mac at one of his concerts, sharing and singing about living in the light:  

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