Shining Your Light in Today's Darkness

Kathi Macias is a prolific writer with great heart. Her novels inspire and other writings teach God's truth with power. In this Influence UPGRADE, she seeks to change our cultural focus from frustration to faith, and remind us to shine for Jesus.

"The Bible declares that the darkness cannot comprehend (or overcome) the light (John 1:5)," Kathi says. "Sadly, some Christians have become so focused on the darkness that they seem to have forgotten this great promise."

I (Dawn) have often been reminded by the Lord to "shine." I've often joked that this is because of my name; but the truth is, the light I want to reflect is the light of my Savior—Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12). That's the light our dark world needs to see!

Kathi continues . . .

When I became a born-again believer in 1974, I immediately began to question my previously held concepts of nearly everything, including politics. By the time the next Presidential election came around, I found myself voting based on my new worldview.

Since then, I haven’t budged far from that position, and yet the past few years have caused me to seriously examine how I daily live out that worldview.

Sadly, I concluded that though I was standing on ground that represented biblical principles, I wasn’t always modeling those principles in a godly way.

Something tells me I’m not alone in coming to that conclusion.

In our currently divided and politically-charged society, I regularly meet Christians who, whether they agree with my position or not, struggle with reconciling their political stance (and resulting actions) with their Christianity. And that’s okay. Their struggle tells me they truly want to be Christ-like in all areas of their lives, including politics.

However, I have a much greater problem dealing with those who are absolutely certain their stand is the only possible one a Christian can take, despite the fact that other sincere believers may have a different view.

In considering and praying about this situation, I continually return to John 1:5:

“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend [overcome] it.”

This first chapter of John is about Jesus (“the light”) entering a world of sin (“the darkness”) and, despite all resistance, prevailing to rescue those trapped in that darkness. How did He do that?

Put simply, the Light is so much greater than the darkness.

Few Christians would argue that point, knowing Jesus is the Light and has already overcome the darkness—not by condemning those caught in the darkness, but rather by extending His Light to them in a free offer of love. And, that, of course, is the key.

We too are called to be light in this dark world (Matthew 5:16), shining brightly so as to attract others and show them the way to escape.

But do we more effectively do that by continually proclaiming the evils of darkness . . . or by declaring the great unconditional love found only in the Light?

The answer, of course, is evident: We are called to emulate Christ, who walked in love, even toward those He knew would betray Him.

So how do we apply that fact to our own lives, specifically to our political stand, whatever that may be? We learn to recognize and overcome the darkness.

Just because we have joined ourselves to the Light doesn’t mean we can’t be influenced by darkness.

The moment we take our eyes from the light, darkness will make its move.

It is up to us to consciously choose to walk daily in the Light of Christ, dispelling the darkness around us.

Ephesians 5 provides us with three simple steps to do so.

1. Walk in love.

We walk in love by being “imitators of God as dear children,” loving others “as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (v.2).

Christ gave Himself for us and requires that same giving from us.

He set the bar so high that we can never reach it in our own strength or ability. We are completely dependent on Him, and we must be continually mindful of that.

2. Walk in light.

We walk in light by remembering that:

“[we] were once darkness, but now [we] are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light” (vv. 8-13).

Ah, there it is: The only way to dispel the evils of darkness, which enslave unbelievers and keep them from God, is to shine light—the Light of Christ—in our daily lives.

We must be driven by a desire to deliver the words found in verse 14: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

It is doubtful others will receive that message from us if we are speaking words of prideful criticism or pushing argumentative positions, whether biblically correct or not.

3. Walk in wisdom.

How do we walk in wisdom? Verses 15-17 declare,

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

God’s will is never for us to add to the darkness, but rather to shine our light, everywhere and all the time. And that, of course, brings us back to regularly spending time with Him, sitting at His feet, learning from Him, and allowing His Spirit to direct our ways and our words.

In conclusion, as we necessarily walk through this time of political tumult and confusion, may we:

• Learn to spend our time lighting candles rather than cursing the darkness,
• praying rather than condemning, and
• offering of ourselves instead of criticizing others.

Do you struggle with shining your light for Jesus in our wicked culture or divisive political scene? How does the scripture's reminders to walk in love, walk in the light and walk in wisdom give you encouragement and direction?

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 60 books and ghostwritten several others. Kathi won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel Red Ink won the 2011 Golden Scrolls Novel of the Year Award and was also a finalist for a Carol Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al. You can learn more about her and her books/ministry at www.kathimacias.com.

They're Taking It All In

Sharon Hoffman, a godly grandmother and author, knows the importance of touching the next generation for Christ. In this Grandparenting UPGRADE, Sharon encourages us to leave a legacy of spiritual heirlooms.

“Often extraordinary truths about God are taught in the most ordinary ways,” she says.

When my (Dawn’s) boys were young, I loved to embrace teachable moments; and now that I have three granddaughters, it’s still a pleasure. Sharon’s wordd remind me how crucial this is.

Sharon continues . . .

Because such moments come without warning and often at the most inopportune times, we’ve got to be ready to impart spiritual truths, seizing those fleeting teachable moments. They are more powerful than we can ever imagine.

Because I take my role of leaving a legacy of faith very seriously, not too long ago I made a commitment before the Lord, that with His help, the remainder of my life will be dedicated to ensuring that the heritage I pass along to my grandchildren is physically, emotionally, social, and most of all, spiritually rich.

From the mail that I receive and the 100-plus women I networked with in preparing my book—A Car Seat in My Convertible?—it is clear to me that a vast majority of women take their spiritual heritage very seriously, too, and have that same desire.

Edward H. Dreschnack said, “Just about the time a woman thinks her work is done … she becomes a grandmother.

And our grandchildren are taking it all in.

You, remarkable grandmother, can make the most of every moment when it comes to living out Deuteronomy 6:6-7:

"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

God wants us to be communicating scriptural truths along life’s way …

• When we look up at a rainbow;
• When we stand at the edge of a river;
• When we come upon an overflowing parking lot and need a space;
• When we pause to ask God to help the hurting people in an ambulance when we hear a siren;
• When we pray for healing or stop to help someone who is hurt.

All along life’s way we can be the hands and feet of Jesus before our grands.

Believe me, they’re watching and taking it all in. I don’t know about you, but as for me, even though I’m having the most fun ever in my grandmothering, I’ve found my body losing the vitality of my younger years, reminding me daily of the simple truth I’m not going to live forever.

I want to sow spiritual seeds in the fertile ground of my grandchildren’s hearts while I can.

Let me ask you some personal questions:

Is that what you desire?

What seeds are you sowing?

What kind of spiritual influence are you having?

How do you encourage your grands in the faith?

Is your life a reflection of the Savior?

You have an incredible opportunity to leave a legacy of spiritual heirlooms!

At the end of your life, will you look back at a bountiful harvest from the dozens of seeds you’ve planted, having influenced your grandchildren to love your Lord as you do?

Sharon Hoffman challenges women to change their world. Known for her warm demeanor and trademark smile, this vivacious author, speaker and grandma is the author of The GIFTed Woman, Come Home to Comfort, Untie the Rainbow, The Today Girl, and A Car Seat in My Convertible? Sharon wears “many hats,” including pastor’s wife. She and her husband, Rob, call Tennessee home.

How to Become a More Influential Storyteller

Maria Keckler knows how to build effective bridges between people and to her audiences. In this Influence UPGRADE, she helps us focus on the gift of storytelling.

“Jesus got the attention of his audiences, stirred their emotions, and helped them remember key messages because he presented principles through the best communication vehicle at our disposal: Story,” Maria says.

“You have an important message to share. Shouldn’t it be delivered well?”

Brevity is not my (Dawn's) strength in public speaking, and I can learn from Maria today; but I know the power of storytelling in driving a message home. Thankfully, both are skills we can learn.

Maria continues . . . 

“Stacie, my sixteen-year-old daughter, was outgoing and beautiful, full of hopes and dreams. Until one man destroyed them in a single moment. He stalked our family for two weeks and waited until Stacie was home alone….”

Lorraine’s gripping story spells out one key message: Through the power of Jesus, one can forgive and still make an impact despite terrible loss.

You can become a more influential communicator—whether sharing your testimony or your next marketing idea—by learning to be a more compelling storyteller.

Sometimes a Powerful Story is Only ONE Chapter of a Bigger Story.

Lorraine’s story of loss and forgiveness is by no means her complete testimony as a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is, however, one chapter God is using to bring thousands of incarcerated men and women to faith through her prison ministry.

So the question at hand is—how do we share powerful stories, without rambling, so that we earn the right to share more or have the opportunity to influence others in positive ways?

Four Steps to Sharing Stories Like Jesus Did

First: Embrace empathy.

How? Learn to consider the needs of your audiences. You can read more about what that looks like in my previous article.

Second: Share only one story at a time.

Whether he addressed the Pharisees, the masses, or his disciples—Jesus shared one complete story at a time. Each story had a clear beginning, middle, and end that drove home a key message for a particular audience.

Third: Choose vivid word pictures.

Jesus’ stories were rich with concrete and vivid details that evoked the senses.

Even today, we can almost see and smell the oil and wine the Good Samaritan poured on the wounds of the beaten traveler. We can picture the Prodigal Son contemplating the food of swine—and leap with joy as the father runs to welcome him home.

Fourth: Practice brevity.

In the words of Max Lucado, “We learn brevity from Jesus. His greatest sermon can be read in eight minutes (Matthew 5-7). His best-known story can be read in 90 seconds (Luke 15:11-32). He summarized prayer in five phrases (Matthew 6:9-13), and he reduced all his teachings to one command (John 15:12). He made his point and went home.” 

Bottom line:

We all must overcome the temptation to share our entire life story or grand idea in one sitting. It’s helpful to think of our opportunity to share as one piece of a larger story.

Start applying the previous lessons by answering these questions: 

1. What stories do I want or need to share with others?
2. What story is best suited for the audience God has given me today?
3. What is the key takeaway of my story?
4. What vivid details can I use to evoke my audience’s senses?
5. How can I be as brief as Jesus?

God is using one of Lorraine’s stories to bring a message of hope, forgiveness, and redemption to imprisoned men and women. As you continue preparing to share yours well, God will provide a larger audience for you too. 

Maria Keckler is the author of Bridge-Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want in Business and in Life. Maria is an executive coach, corporate trainer, and the President of Superb Communication. With her husband, Sam, Maria has also been helping married couples improve their communication. Check out Maria's blog!

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Andrew Phillips, Stocksnapio.

How to Spread a 'Sweet Aroma'

Mary James communicates messages from the heart in her music and her writing, and in this Spiritual Life UPGRADE she invites us to think about the “scent” of our lives.

“We absorb what we are exposed to, in ways that we cannot always see,” Mary said. “For a Christ follower, the value of others’ influence should never be taken for granted—especially while the world around them is continually sending out the message, ‘anything goes.’”  

I (Dawn) am influenced by so many people and things in our culture, as are you. Sometimes we aren’t even aware of their input. Maybe it’s time we pause to think: What or who does my life, my behavior, my attitudes, reflect?

Mary continues . . .

“What is that smell?” I asked was we picked up our six-year old Pekingese from Grandma’s house recently.

Because the odor resembled burning rubber, my dear mother replied, “Maybe there was an issue with the vacuum belt. It has given us trouble before.” 

Uh, no. Isaiah had in-fact had one of those infamous “skunk encounters.” 

Fortunately, it was not a direct hit, so my husband and I were able to tolerate the aroma for the duration of our 75-minute drive home. Well, almost. 

With windows rolled down and a lengthy debate over how our furry child could have possible been hit, we stopped at the grocery story to pick up a few needed items: Dawn dishwashing soap and tomato juice.

As I checked out, the clerks began commenting on a strange odor.

The first said, “Something smells like burning rubber.”

The second quickly chimed in, “It smells like skunk to me!” 

My stomach sank, but I had to laugh and then tell them our dog had just been sprayed.

I was completely unaware his aroma had rubbed off on me.

A few days later, the music of one of my favorite artists kept playing in my head. I finally dug out the CDs and listened once more to her incredible gift. She is one of the most artistic and thought-provoking singer-songwriters I have ever heard; yet the more I listened, the more sad and uneasy I became.   

With 100 items on my “to do” list, I stayed busy as the music played. But once I slowed down and focused on her words, I understood what was impacting my mood.

The lyrics were without hope and held a distorted worldview when it came to Jesus.

If there were references to God or Christ, they came as doubt-filled, rebellious undertones, or words of blatant discontent with God. 

Despite my spiritual maturity, her attitude had subtly rubbed-off on me to the point where my joy was drowned out by her faithless lyrics and sorrow-filled melodies.  

Why did I even open that can of worms? Good question. I had enjoyed her music for so long, I thought it would be harmless to listen again. Harmless. 

These two experiences are a valuable reminder of guarding the heart.

We absorb what we are exposed to in ways we cannot always see.  Who and what we hang around matters. 

No wonder Jesus (Mark 9:42-50) and Paul (Romans 14:13-23) warned us not to do anything that will cause another person to stumble. If you grumble enough, gossip enough, overeat, drink, smoke or cuss around those you are in relationship with, your “aroma” can subtly become theirs (or vice versa).   

For a Christ follower, the value of others’ influence should never be taken for granted, especially while the world around them is continually sending out the message, “anything goes.”   

I admit, this seems like a daunting charge, but all who understand God’s grace know that it is by His Spirit their steps are guided. 

God also created this amazing thing called “fellowship” where Christians can act as iron (or sharpeners) in each other’s lives. If someone has a bad attitude, speaking God’s truth over each other’s skunk-ed-ness, praying, lovingly suggesting a “spiritual shower” or simply turning off bad music can truly be medicine for the heart. 

This amazing transformative stuff that happens on the inside is what shows up on the outside, causing us to be pleasing aromas to God and those around us. Just think how anger on the inside shows up on the outside, or how discontentment on the inside shows up in your shopping cart. 

I don’t know about you, but when I leave a room I certainly want the smell that lingers—the words that I deposit into hearts and minds—to be sweet; words that strengthen hearts, not weaken them.  

Let’s always remember and respond to life with this truth in mind: “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Has the smell of something not so pleasant rubbed off on you? Is there any music playing in your life that needs to be turned off?

Mary James, living out the charge found in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are “Saved to proclaim the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light,” uses  music and transparent, biblically-centered messages to tear down walls and point people to Jesus. Since entering ministry in 2000, Mary has released five full-length CDs and shared the platform with Dr. David Jeremiah, Kay Arthur, Sheila Walsh, Greg Laurie, Bob Goff, Kirk Cameron and many others. She is a three-time Inspirational Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year Award winner and two-time ICM Music Evangelist of the Year Nominee.

Graphic adapted, Image courtesy of fotographic1980 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Façades: Laying Down the Mask

With the rise of Facebook, people always see our better side, but do we really minister to people that way? Melissa Mashburn encourages us to lay down our phony masks in this Ministry UPGRADE.

“Ministry is tough,” Melissa says. “I get it. But it’s time we start to lay down the masks and put away the façades so people can see us—the real us—the us that Jesus has changed.”

 Oh, how I (Dawn) have seen this issue hinder relationships and ministry in the church. Jesus is calling us to get real!

Melissa continues . . .

 If you’ve spent any time in ministry, especially with women, chances are you’ve been hurt, burned, back-stabbed or misunderstood.

It’s painful. It’s brutal. It flat out sucks the wind from your sails. And in order to protect yourself from getting hurt again, you put up a façade.

Chances are you probably don’t even remember when you started to wear that mask, but to protect your heart, you did.

I did it too. After fifteen years in ministry, I have seen it all, experienced a lot of incredibly tough stuff and had my heart broken many times.

I built a protective barrier around myself—the façade—in order to keep people from getting close to the real me.

In doing so, though, I also kept myself completely isolated. That led to feelings of loneliness, isolation and, at times, even depression. It wasn’t until about six years ago I decided to lay down the mask and let God show me how to put away the façade.

Paul told the Roman Christians,

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10 NLT).

In other words, God tells us,

“Lay down your mask! Get real! Love people!”

If you are struggling with this like I have, here are a few things to help you as you learn to lay down your mask.

1. Pray First

Ask God to open your heart and allow you the opportunity to just be you. Ask Him to be your protector, and to also bring you a few truly special, safe friends who can come around you as you take these steps.

2. Talk to Your Spouse or Close Family Member

If you’re married, talk it over with your spouse. Ask him to be a part of the process with you and seek out his prayers.

If you’re not married, talk it over with a close family member who understands you and your struggle to be more authentic in ministry.

3. Talk to Your Pastor

If you’re in ministry at a local church, I encourage you to talk it over with your pastor. Ask him to pray for you as you step into new territory in ministry.

This takes another step of vulnerability. I understand that. But by bringing your pastor in on this process, he can help you venture into new territory.

4. Give Yourself Time

If you’ve been in ministry for more than ten years, you’ve probably slowly built up the façade. It’s not going to just disappear; it will take time.

Make sure you allow yourself time to release years of protective layers around your heart.

5. Give It All Back to God

Whatever steps you make, and however long it takes, if God has called you to ministry, He has equipped you to do it as well.

Celebrate the small steps. Give Him all the glory and continue moving forward.

I know it’s not going to be easy—it wasn’t for me either—but the women God has brought into our lives are desperate for women in ministry to be real, to show them what it is like to live out ordinary lives with God at the forefront.

Let’s take this step together and see what God will do.

Are you wearing a mask today? What is keeping you behind the façade? What will you do to “get real” so God can minister through your transformed life?

Melissa Mashburn passionately pursues God daily, taking her ordinary life and placing it as her offering to Him. She is an author, speaker, mom, pastor’s wife and trained communicator through CLASSeminars, with extensive background in Womens, Kids and Volunteer Ministry. Her passion is helping women “keep it real” in their lives and ministries. Melissa is married to her best friend, Matt (22 years) and they have two adult sons, Nick & Bailey. She loves to relax with a great book and giant cup of coffee. You can find her at Melissa Mashburn: Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.