Light in Darkness

Bad news. It seems to be the order of the day.

Turn on the news or scroll through social media these days and it seems there's nothing but bad news in front of you. A double murder on live television. A police officer gunned down in broad daylight. Brutality and a general disregard for life seems to be as commonplace as a daily weather report.

Add to that a teetering economy, and a drop in the stock market that cost many people a sizable chunk of their retirement. It's no fun watching your 401K or IRA disappear right in front of your eyes--again--as many of you know firsthand.

Then there's the political corruption seemingly on every side. Is there anyone out there in government who can be trusted? Public confidence in our "public servants" is at an all time low.

We read of a list released with more than 30 million names of those who have signed up for a website aimed at setting up adulterous relationships. Have we lost our moral compass altogether? If you have any doubts, just look at the hidden videos showing the despicable behavior of those who are in the business of selling body parts of aborted children.

The constant diet of bad news is enough to depress anybody.

So. What is our role? Can we as a local church make a difference in such a messed up world? What do we have to offer, to counter the constant barrage of bad news?

How about hope. And truth. And love. How about good news.

If nothing else, we as Christians are bearers of the Gospel, which by its very definition means "good news." We can offer hope for the person who can't see a reason to go on, truth for those trapped in a world of dishonesty and inauthenticity, love for even those caught up in despicable sin. And that hope is in the person of Jesus Christ.

It's no secret our world is getting darker by the day. That's the bad news. But Jesus Himself said it didn't have to be that way. "You are the light of the world," He said. That's the good news.

May your light shine brightly for Him this week. I'm praying for you, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

--Pastor Ken

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