In the Shadows
Have you ever went for a walk late at night? Walking in the evening can be quite refreshing and the sight and sounds can be quite interesting. Most neighborhoods inside a city now have street lights. Usually these lights are usually positioned at the intersections of roads and spaced evenly along the roadside. When walking at night these lights can cause a unique situation. A person walking can have several shadows at the same time.
The shadows are formed when the person blocks the light source. Street lights are spaced out so when a person is walking they can actually block light from several sources and angles at the same time. There is one street I walk down where I can have five shadows at the same time. Each shadow leans it at a different angle and effects a different place. This got me to thinking about how our lives have effects many people in many different ways.
Sometimes the darkness in other peoples lives comes from us blocking the light. The shadow of our sins can really hinder the lives of those around us. If we are not careful we become something that prevents light from reaching beyond out selves. We just absorb light and never let it pass on for the benefit of others. In Matthew 5, Jesus told His followers they were to be the “light of the world.” Jesus doesn’t want His followers to cast a shadow on the world. Jesus wants them to be the light that removes darkness.
Walking on a street at night casting shadow reminded me that there are many things that cast shadows and block the light from going out. However, the number of street lights that bring light into the night are limited. The same is true with people. There are great masses who never do anything except think of themselves, and very few who do anything for the good of others. Very few people could call themselves lights in this world.
Most people think that because the light is shining on them that they are part of the light. Being a light is something very different than having a light shine on you. The truth is that for us to be lights in this world we need Jesus who is the true light of the world. At best we can only reflect His light to others, and seek to limit where our shadow is cast. Kind of like our moon which reflects the light of the sun on us each night. So which kind of person are you? Are you someone who blocks light from those in your sphere of influence? or are you more like a light pole that shines on the world around you?
For Discussion: What is your most interesting storm involving a shadow?
