Good Words for Today: October 27

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Recently my wife and I spent a week ministering at Word of Life Bible Institute on Jeju Island in South Korea. One evening a friend took us to a restaurant with stunning views of the ocean. As evening came, I noticed dozens of bright lights filling the horizon. Our friend said those were squid boats. Just after sundown, the pilot turns on enormously powerful lights that penetrate the darkness of the ocean. The squid are attracted to the light, and that’s how they are caught. Here is a good word for those who despair about the overwhelming cultural darkness. Is the world going to hell? Yes. But the world has always been going to hell. If you believe, as I do, that our current cultural rebellion has taken us into even darker regions, then we ought to meditate on the words of Jesus and the squid boats of Jeju Island. We can’t do much in and of ourselves to stop the cultural slide. But we can let our light shine. We can live for Christ. We can serve others in Jesus’ name. We can share the Good News of Jesus. As our world continues to move away from God, we can make an eternal difference to the people around us. As they see the light in us, they will see the One who gives us the light. They will be attracted to our Savior and God will get the credit. Don’t despair! Don’t give up! An ancient proverb tells us that “it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” The world is dark and getting darker. It’s time to shine the light. Lord Jesus, help me to be a “bright light Christian” today. Amen. 

October 27, 2016