WE FOLLOW UNWAVERINGLY THE LIGHT OF THE LORD
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“No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the Light unflinchingly.” – J.R.R. Tolkien –
Jesus is the Light of the World. His light overcomes the world’s darkness. All shadows disappear in the brightness of His presence. It is His glory light that shines in our lives to cast out all darkness and evil. He illuminates our paths ahead so we do not lose our way.
We are called to take up our cross daily and follow Him. If Jesus is the Light of our lives, what hinders us from following Him only? Tolkien suggests two obstacles. The first is half-heartedness… lack of passion… perhaps even superficiality. Jesus criticized the church in Laodicea for just this…
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!” – Revelation 3:15
A lukewarm Christian tends to go through the motions… without energy or enthusiasm. Perhaps a Christian in name only… or a worldly Christian distracted by the cares and concerns of this life. Little time or thought is given to the Lord or the pursuit of kingdom goals.
The second obstacle to following Christ wholeheartedly is worldly fear. In today’s world we are bombarded with news that offers so many reasons to fear. Yet how often we read in the Bible not to fear. God knows us. He knows our tendency to be anxious… and to doubt His absolute sovereignty in our lives. He reminds us as He reminded Joshua…
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
We have a God who is all-powerful… with absolute authority over the entire universe. He is in control of all and oversees every detail of our lives. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. With God on our side… whom shall we fear? (Psalm 27:1)
Let us follow the Light of our lives without distractions… not straying from the path He puts before us. As we seek to honor Him, our passion for His kingdom grows. As we trust in Him, our fears dissipate. When we follow our Lord unwaveringly, His light will guide us safely home.
