On Being the Light of the World

"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5: 14

----

I was booked to work as a steward at  this huge concert hall I've worked at before. 

Usually after I am booked at a venue, I check what kind of concert or event it is. This one was a two day Christian conference promoting a course I've actually been on. There were going to be speakers and delegates from all over the world.

Two days before the Christian conference, I was booked at a music venue I've never worked at before, but have always been curious about. When I checked who the band was, I discovered there were going to be several bands playing extreme metal music that promised to be very "dark."  I was going to cancel that booking, but  I remembered Jesus told believers that we "are the light of the world" which means we are to be the light for everyone, everywhere.  Also, God has not given me the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1: 7)

At the music gig, my colleague and I were outside the doors making sure fans had the right wrist bands on. Majority of the fans were wearing black with t-shirts that had symbols of dragons, serpents, upside down crosses, skulls, and other symbols I didn't recognise. Most of the fans had tattoos, but there were those whose faces were  covered with tattoos. Still, most people were polite and let us do our jobs.

The music was extremely loud and the "singers" were mostly growling and muttering incantations. 

During the concert, several fans were taken to the hospital by paramedics.

Before the gig finished, we were asked to go inside the hall to direct fans to the correct exit.  I've attended many concerts in the past, but that was the first time I've been in that kind of atmosphere which felt heavy and cold. There was a huge screen behind the growling musician projecting images of an upside down cross, the symbol 666 and the dragon.  I noticed a fan's t-shirt had the words "God has no power."   I chuckled to myself and thought "God is the only Power, mate."  I continued doing my job directing fans until my shift ended around 11pm.

On the first day of the Christian conference, I was hoping to be allocated a shift inside the hall, but I was put in the cloakroom so I couldn't hear anything. However, sometime during the day, I noticed the founder of the course walking by so I went and said hello. He shook my hand and told me he was happy to meet me.

On the second day of the conference, I was allocated  a spot where I could hear the music and the speakers.  I even got to work with a few of the organisers and had a long chat with one about our faith. One Christian organiser asked if she could pray for me. I told her she could, but not where I was sitting as I was working. Besides, I don't think the client I was working for would have appreciated me stopping work for prayers. 😀 She promised to pray for me. Later, she introduced me to another speaker who was glad to know I was a fellow Christian.

Whether I am working in the "darkness" or in the "light," I am the light of the world. 

I give thanks to Jesus for giving me His Light. ☀️❤️

-----

Relevant Bible verses:

"God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God." Psalm 62: 11

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."" John 8:12

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1: 7

Image courtesy of Google Images