Each of us will die. That death should be our greatest comfort. Why? Because death can be a beauty. When we are sorrowful, disappointed, or enduring great hardship, but have assurance of salvation, we can face death with hope. Yet, honestly, we ourselves are often not truly ready to face it. Death should be a comfort. Colossians 3 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Where do we come from? From the Father. Where do we go? To the Father. We know this after we believe in the Lord Jesus.
The Bible says a nation walking in darkness has seen a great light. What light is meant? The truth taught by the Lord Jesus. Through the life of one who walks in truth, others can find the right way to live. Our life should be the Gospel enacted, the Word made visible in life. So, when people ask, “What kind of life does God really want?” we can answer by our own lives — how we befriend others, how we manage life, how we handle finances, and how we treat enemies. All these things shine through our lives. That is what it means to be a light.
Thus, light is the means by which our lives shape others. Others can be formed and built throughout our lives. Therefore, even if we understand and can preach theologically well, we must not be satisfied with what we already have and do. We hope that wherever we are, people will see our life and say, “This is the image of a true human being.” But the question is, have we found that light? How? We must continually learn the truth of God’s Word so that others see our deeds and glorify the Father in heaven. Glorifying God is not only acknowledging that God is good, but also participating in His service. Glorifying God is not merely praising the Lord, but treating Him as a glorious and majestic Person.
John 1:4 says, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” The word life here comes from the Greek zoe — life of high quality. This verse means that in Him is the right way to live, and that is light to humanity. If someone does not live that way, he still lives in darkness. So, if a Christian still acts wickedly toward others, still cheats, or cannot forgive, he has not yet walked in the light. One who walks in the light does what the Lord Jesus did.
Now imagine, if the Lord Jesus’ light were 1,000 watts, how bright is our light? We must honestly admit our light is not very bright. Perhaps our light is only a small glow. Therefore, let us strive to live so that others can say, “This person is different.” We no longer need to argue about religion and theology. We should appear in a society of diverse religious backgrounds with proper conduct — not insulting other religions, but acting as God’s representatives, God’s ambassadors, an open letter readable by all.
That is why the task of a pastor or a proclaimer of the Word is very heavy. Our deeds must match the sermons we deliver. That is integrity. What we speak about truth must be worn, declared, and practiced in our lives.
John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The Lord Jesus displayed a life whose truth cannot be refuted. People may accuse or blame Him, but they cannot overcome His truth. Therefore, we must not give up. We must keep changing so that we can present a life by which others can find the right pattern of living.