Stepping into the Light of Christ

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” — John 8:12 (NIV)

We live in a world buzzing with distractions. The constant pull of social media, endless notifications, and the allure of more interesting things around the corner all vie for our attention. And in this age, we are quick to identify the usual suspects—our phones, computers, media, lust—as the culprits that pull us from Jesus. But what if our real struggle isn’t these things themselves? What if the struggle is a choice: the decision each day to either follow Jesus or choose our own way?

In John 8:12, Jesus offers a profound truth. He says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Notice what Jesus is saying here: our path is lit only when we choose to follow Him. The key to experiencing light, peace, and purpose is found in prioritizing Jesus above everything else. The struggle with darkness doesn’t stem from our screens or our desires; it comes from the choice not to follow Jesus closely.

Walking in Darkness: A Choice to Turn Away

It’s easy to think of darkness as something outside of us. We might even blame the culture, our habits, or our busy schedules for the distance we feel from Jesus. But the Bible reminds us that darkness is the result of choosing to navigate life without Jesus as our compass. When we choose ourselves—our wants, our plans, our control—we naturally walk away from the light. And it’s here that we find ourselves lost, grasping for peace and purpose in things that can’t satisfy.

Jesus doesn’t simply offer us a philosophy or self-help; He invites us into the very light of life. He is the source of truth, joy, and strength, but we only experience this when we actively decide to follow Him daily. Each day we have the opportunity to choose Jesus over ourselves.

Choosing to Walk in the Light: A Daily Priority

To follow Jesus means that we bring Him into every moment and every decision, big or small. It’s a conscious choice that requires us to say “yes” to Him every day. And yes, this can feel inconvenient. It might mean we wake up a bit earlier to pray, or that we pause during the day to seek His guidance before acting. But this intentional choice aligns our hearts with His, and it’s here we find freedom, clarity, and joy.

Our greatest distraction isn’t the world around us; it’s our tendency to take back control, to do things our way, to choose ourselves. But each time we choose Jesus, we step further into His light and away from the shadows of our own making.

Reflecting on the Light

As we meditate on John 8:12-20, we’re reminded that Jesus has given us everything we need to walk in His light. He provides the way forward, but the choice to follow rests with us. So, let’s start each day by committing to make Him our highest priority. Let’s leave behind our excuses and distractions, and embrace the light and life He offers so freely.

Take a moment to consider: what would your day look like if you intentionally chose to follow Jesus in each decision? Where do you feel the pull of darkness, and how can you invite Jesus’ light into that area of your life?

May we learn to say, “Yes, Jesus,” every day, so that we walk in His light rather than the shadows of our own making.

Practical steps to walk in the light of Jesus each day:

1. Start Your Day with Surrender

• Begin each morning with a simple prayer, surrendering your day to Jesus. Say something like, “Lord, I choose to follow You today. Lead me, guide me, and help me to seek You above all else.” This daily act of surrender aligns your heart with His, setting the tone for a day focused on His light.

• Reflect on a verse like John 8:12 or Proverbs 3:5-6 to remind yourself of Jesus’ promise to guide you in every step.

2. Seek Him in Scripture

• Make time in God’s Word a non-negotiable part of your day. Spend even 10-15 minutes reading and meditating on a passage or story. As you read, ask God to reveal His truth and light to you.

• Journaling can be helpful too—write down insights, prayers, and verses that stand out. This not only keeps you in the Word but helps you focus on His light throughout the day.

3. Pray Continually

• Prayer isn’t just for the beginning and end of the day. Make it a conversation that carries throughout your daily routines. Invite Jesus into every situation, especially the challenging ones.

• Set reminders on your phone or place sticky notes where you’ll see them, reminding you to pause and pray. This keeps your focus on Jesus rather than on life’s distractions.

4. Be Mindful of What Distracts You

• Identify the specific distractions that pull your focus away from Jesus. Whether it’s screen time, stress over tasks, or particular habits, acknowledge these and set boundaries around them.

• For example, limit social media time, or set specific times to check your phone. Replace these moments with something that draws you closer to God, like listening to worship music or reflecting on a scripture.

5. Connect with Other Believers

• Surround yourself with people who encourage your walk with Christ. Share your commitment to follow Jesus with a trusted friend or small group, and ask for accountability.

• When we walk alongside others who also seek the light, we are strengthened and encouraged to stay focused. Find ways to serve together, study the Bible, or pray for each other’s daily challenges.

6. Choose Grace and Forgiveness

• Walking in the light also means practicing grace toward yourself and others. When you stumble or feel like you’ve chosen distractions over Jesus, don’t dwell on guilt. Bring it to Him, and remember that His grace is always available.

• Extend that same grace to others, allowing Jesus to shine through your responses and interactions. Embracing grace keeps you out of the darkness of shame and bitterness and closer to the light of Jesus’ love.

7. End Your Day with Reflection

• At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on where you saw God’s light and where you might have chosen yourself instead of Him. Ask for His forgiveness, give thanks for His presence, and resolve to follow more closely tomorrow.

• This small act of self-reflection and prayer invites Jesus to shine into every corner of your heart, helping you to grow in your walk with Him.

Walking in the Light, One Step at a Time

Remember, this journey of walking in the light isn’t about perfection but about persistence. With each small step of surrender, prayer, scripture, and accountability, you’ll find that Jesus’ light grows brighter in your life. And as you walk in His light, you’ll also become a light to those around you, pointing them to the One who is the Light of the World.

Embrace each step with the confidence that, even when the path feels challenging, Jesus is right beside you, guiding you into His radiant presence.