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Leadership Lessons
Flirting with Darkness
Flirting with Darkness
Scripture: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” — John 12:46
Devotional
In John 12:44-50, Jesus declares that He is the light of the world, sent to reveal the heart of the Father. This light doesn’t just illuminate—it transforms. It exposes the shadows in our lives, not to shame us, but to invite us into the fullness of God's love and truth. Yet, if I’m honest with myself, I often live as though I can balance the light of Christ with the shadows of distraction and self-reliance.
As someone in full-time ministry, I can easily justify the busyness of my life as “working for Jesus.” But is my heart truly centered on Him? I’ve found myself waking up and immediately diving into news headlines or scrolling through social media, bypassing the opportunity to start my day in prayer and reflection on His Word. I claim to walk in the light, but my actions sometimes tell a different story.
This passage reminds me that walking in the light isn’t automatic—it’s intentional. To live in the light of Christ, I must stop filling myself with the darkness of this world. This realization struck me deeply as I prayed for a friend who had suffered a massive stroke. In that moment of desperation, my attention shifted to the light of Jesus. Why does it take crises to bring me back to Him?
D.L. Moody once said, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” How true this is. When I neglect God’s Word and fail to fill myself with His truth, I inevitably make room for lesser things. But when I make space for Jesus, His light fills every corner of my heart, displacing fear, distraction, and sin.
Similarly, Charles Spurgeon said, “Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.” My friend’s situation has reminded me of the fragility of life and the enduring faithfulness of God. The things I often prioritize—social media, news, and even the daily grind of ministry—are empty apart from Christ.
Jesus’ light is not just a guide; it’s life itself. He came to rescue us from darkness, not just in eternity, but here and now. If I want to walk in that light, I must consciously fill my life with Him. This means prioritizing prayer, reading His Word, and choosing to dwell on His promises instead of the distractions of the world.
Today, I choose the light. I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus, the Light of the world, who reveals the Father’s love and leads me into life abundant.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the light that pierces the darkness of my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve chosen distractions over Your presence. Help me to walk intentionally in Your light, filling my heart with Your truth and prioritizing my relationship with You. Let Your light shine through me, bringing hope to a world in need. Amen.
Reflection Questions
Are there areas in your life where you’ve allowed darkness to creep in?
How can you intentionally fill yourself with the light of Christ today?
Who in your life needs to experience the light of Jesus through your words or actions?
Sources
Moody, D.L. The Overcoming Life and Other Sermons.
Spurgeon, Charles H. Morning and Evening.
Donor Development
Flirting with Darkness
Flirting with Darkness
Scripture: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” — John 12:46
Devotional
In John 12:44-50, Jesus declares that He is the light of the world, sent to reveal the heart of the Father. This light doesn’t just illuminate—it transforms. It exposes the shadows in our lives, not to shame us, but to invite us into the fullness of God's love and truth. Yet, if I’m honest with myself, I often live as though I can balance the light of Christ with the shadows of distraction and self-reliance.
As someone in full-time ministry, I can easily justify the busyness of my life as “working for Jesus.” But is my heart truly centered on Him? I’ve found myself waking up and immediately diving into news headlines or scrolling through social media, bypassing the opportunity to start my day in prayer and reflection on His Word. I claim to walk in the light, but my actions sometimes tell a different story.
This passage reminds me that walking in the light isn’t automatic—it’s intentional. To live in the light of Christ, I must stop filling myself with the darkness of this world. This realization struck me deeply as I prayed for a friend who had suffered a massive stroke. In that moment of desperation, my attention shifted to the light of Jesus. Why does it take crises to bring me back to Him?
D.L. Moody once said, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” How true this is. When I neglect God’s Word and fail to fill myself with His truth, I inevitably make room for lesser things. But when I make space for Jesus, His light fills every corner of my heart, displacing fear, distraction, and sin.
Similarly, Charles Spurgeon said, “Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.” My friend’s situation has reminded me of the fragility of life and the enduring faithfulness of God. The things I often prioritize—social media, news, and even the daily grind of ministry—are empty apart from Christ.
Jesus’ light is not just a guide; it’s life itself. He came to rescue us from darkness, not just in eternity, but here and now. If I want to walk in that light, I must consciously fill my life with Him. This means prioritizing prayer, reading His Word, and choosing to dwell on His promises instead of the distractions of the world.
Today, I choose the light. I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus, the Light of the world, who reveals the Father’s love and leads me into life abundant.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the light that pierces the darkness of my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve chosen distractions over Your presence. Help me to walk intentionally in Your light, filling my heart with Your truth and prioritizing my relationship with You. Let Your light shine through me, bringing hope to a world in need. Amen.
Reflection Questions
Are there areas in your life where you’ve allowed darkness to creep in?
How can you intentionally fill yourself with the light of Christ today?
Who in your life needs to experience the light of Jesus through your words or actions?
Sources
Moody, D.L. The Overcoming Life and Other Sermons.
Spurgeon, Charles H. Morning and Evening.
Devotionals
Flirting with Darkness
Flirting with Darkness
Scripture: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” — John 12:46
Devotional
In John 12:44-50, Jesus declares that He is the light of the world, sent to reveal the heart of the Father. This light doesn’t just illuminate—it transforms. It exposes the shadows in our lives, not to shame us, but to invite us into the fullness of God's love and truth. Yet, if I’m honest with myself, I often live as though I can balance the light of Christ with the shadows of distraction and self-reliance.
As someone in full-time ministry, I can easily justify the busyness of my life as “working for Jesus.” But is my heart truly centered on Him? I’ve found myself waking up and immediately diving into news headlines or scrolling through social media, bypassing the opportunity to start my day in prayer and reflection on His Word. I claim to walk in the light, but my actions sometimes tell a different story.
This passage reminds me that walking in the light isn’t automatic—it’s intentional. To live in the light of Christ, I must stop filling myself with the darkness of this world. This realization struck me deeply as I prayed for a friend who had suffered a massive stroke. In that moment of desperation, my attention shifted to the light of Jesus. Why does it take crises to bring me back to Him?
D.L. Moody once said, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” How true this is. When I neglect God’s Word and fail to fill myself with His truth, I inevitably make room for lesser things. But when I make space for Jesus, His light fills every corner of my heart, displacing fear, distraction, and sin.
Similarly, Charles Spurgeon said, “Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.” My friend’s situation has reminded me of the fragility of life and the enduring faithfulness of God. The things I often prioritize—social media, news, and even the daily grind of ministry—are empty apart from Christ.
Jesus’ light is not just a guide; it’s life itself. He came to rescue us from darkness, not just in eternity, but here and now. If I want to walk in that light, I must consciously fill my life with Him. This means prioritizing prayer, reading His Word, and choosing to dwell on His promises instead of the distractions of the world.
Today, I choose the light. I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus, the Light of the world, who reveals the Father’s love and leads me into life abundant.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the light that pierces the darkness of my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve chosen distractions over Your presence. Help me to walk intentionally in Your light, filling my heart with Your truth and prioritizing my relationship with You. Let Your light shine through me, bringing hope to a world in need. Amen.
Reflection Questions
Are there areas in your life where you’ve allowed darkness to creep in?
How can you intentionally fill yourself with the light of Christ today?
Who in your life needs to experience the light of Jesus through your words or actions?
Sources
Moody, D.L. The Overcoming Life and Other Sermons.
Spurgeon, Charles H. Morning and Evening.
