John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came
that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
The word life can point to hope—the future in eternity—but it can also refer to a way of living. The word for life in this verse is zoe, not bios. Abundant life does not mean many in quantity, but high in quality (perissos). Our world has become so corrupted. The world judges a person by the watch they wear, the diamonds they own, the car brand they drive, their wealth, and their rank. Those things seem to give value or quality to a person. Unwittingly, we get lost in those assessments. If we do not use certain branded goods, we feel less confident. Why is that? Because that is the lifestyle imposed by the world—a misleading lifestyle.
Our lifestyle should be an attitude of the heart. Even if we are in a profession often considered lowly—such as a domestic helper—we need not feel inferior. Our quality of life is not determined by title, job, or the clothes we wear, but by an inner disposition that radiates God’s glory. The most frequent test we face is dealing with those considered small: helpers, drivers, subordinates, or people on the street. For example, when we ask someone to help lift our goods, what tone of voice should we use? What words do we use? Often, people argue over ten thousand rupiah. What kind of child of God is that? The issue is not merely about money.
In all things, we must radiate light. When we face subordinates, people in hardship, or socially weaker people—those whom we could easily treat harshly—this is precisely where our lifestyle must shine. When we are hated, hurt, and wounded, that is where our light should shine. If we want to show our love for the Lord and make our light blaze, we must be willing to face extreme situations. How can a boxer show skill if he does not face a worthy opponent? Likewise, our light will be seen in difficult conditions. The true lifestyle of God’s child appears when he is in extreme situations—hated, hurt, and wounded. Extreme conditions actually cause our light to radiate.
Matthew 5:15–16 says, “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl. The lamp is placed on high so it can be seen and light up everyone. How is that light lifted? One way is through extreme situations. When we face such conditions, we are actually being prepared to be lifted. But this does not happen automatically. We must have a quality of life that God can trust. If we can endure under pressure—as if facing increasing heat—then God can appoint us to a higher place and say, “I am proud of this child of Mine.”
When Scripture says “all people,” it means no exceptions. We will meet all kinds of people: difficult, stingy, even evil. It is precisely before them that our light must shine. How marvelous is God’s Word! Let us demonstrate in our daily lives that extreme conditions can make our lives shine. The problem is that we often fail because we lack patience and perseverance. Therefore, let us learn to be light, so others can “read” our lives like an open book and even join in glorifying the Father in heaven.