It’s fun to go jogging early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun cast the biggest shadows. It’s fun because my shadow makes me look so tall! Running mid-day doesn’t cast a big shadow because the sun is high above and the light is all around. Shadows are only cast when there’s partial or complete darkness in an area. It happens when something comes between a surface and a ray of light. The Bible says, in 1 John 1:7, we are to live our lives in the light. And not only in the light, but in the light as God is in the light, and get this…God is light. That means he is and is surrounded by light. So we too are to be surrounded with light. He lives in us and shines through us. This also means we have to be transparent. We let God’s light shine on every part of us so that he can cleanse each part in order to shine through it. When I was a kid, I would take the lampshade off the lamp in my room and melt Legos on the light bulb. (sorry mom) This would cause a big shadow on my wall because the little plastic block was blocking the light. (I don’t think that’s why it’s called a block) You and I are light bulbs for God, and sin causes spots and shadows. Anything you try to keep secret or any sin you haven’t allowed the Lord to wash away is causing a dark place for Satan to work in your life. Satan loves our shadows because he hates the light. Darkness allows him a place to be himself where he doesn’t even have to wear a costume. If you claim to be a Christian but are still keeping part of yourself in the dark, check this out. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1John 1:6-7 This is why we have to purify ourselves with the blood of Jesus. He wants to wash all of our stains away so that we can be the light of the world, which he’s called us to be. Sometimes we fear shedding light on some of the things we’ve kept in the dark. Sometimes it’s for fear of shame. Sometimes it’s for fear of loss. Usually it all comes down to the fear of losing something, whether it’s a relationship, a reputation, or other things you’ve gained that can only live in the dark. The bible says in 2 Peter 3:14 to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Are you obeying this command? Do you have spots that you’re using more effort to conceal than to cleanse? God gives us the choice of bringing things into the light on our own and finding mercy, or he’ll bring them to the light. Proverbs 28:13 says whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Search your life today and ask the Lord to reveal any spots that are preventing you from shining shadow free. Take some real-estate away from the enemy today and be in the light as the Lord is in the light!
14“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16