the light

Be the Light: Reflecting God’s Glory in a Darkened World

22 July 2025

2.7 MINS

Intention

You carry the light of Christ, so walk in His authority and change every atmosphere you enter.

Scripture

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” — 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

Reflection

I didn’t expect to feel so unsettled during my visit to Nimbin, a small, colourful town known for its alternative spirituality. I was there during the 50th anniversary of the Age of Aquarius festival, where Canberra Declaration had sent a team to minister. The place, though outwardly picturesque, felt heavy with spiritual darkness. It challenged me deeply.

Compelled to return, I brought along a young friend with a keen eye for art. As we wandered into a gift shop filled with potions, spell books, and mystical art, I noticed something strange. I greeted the store owner politely, but she wouldn’t meet my eyes. The whole time we were inside, her gaze stayed fixed on the ground. When we walked out, she followed us, burning sage and waving it furiously around her doorway.

For a moment, I was confused — even offended. But then I realised: the spirit in her recognised the Spirit in me. What I carried was confronting to the darkness she welcomed. It was a vivid reminder that we don’t always need to speak a word for Christ to be made known.

As believers, we often underestimate what we already possess. 2 Corinthians 4:6 tells us that God has placed His light — His very presence — within our hearts. We don’t need to strive to be carriers of light; we are already light-carriers. The light we hold is not self-manufactured; it is the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. And it is inestimably powerful.

We see this truth lived out in the early Church. In Acts 3, when Peter and John encountered a beggar at the temple gate, Peter said, “Look at us!” (Acts 3:4). He wasn’t elevating himself — he was pointing to Christ within him. Then he boldly declared healing: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6). Peter didn’t conjure up anything. He simply gave what he already had.

Jesus Himself modelled this everywhere He went. Storms stilled at His word. Demons fled. The sick were healed. Even the rejected found a seat at His table. He didn’t adjust to atmospheres — He changed them.

That same Spirit now lives in us. So why do we walk into situations feeling unsure or intimidated? The truth is: we are not waiting to become something — we are already carriers of heaven’s light and authority.

Yes, this may cause discomfort. Jesus often stirred the hearts of those around Him, and the apostles faced persecution for the same reason. But rather than retreat, we should see such reactions as confirmation of the light within us. Light always reveals what’s hidden.

In Matthew 10:7-8, Jesus gave us our commission:

As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Notice He didn’t say, “First become powerful, then go.” No, He said, “Freely you have received.” You already have it. Now give it.

You don’t need a title, platform, or perfect conditions. You simply need awareness of the One who dwells in you. Every time you step into a room, board a plane, sit in a meeting, or walk through hardship — you carry the peace and authority of Christ.

So, walk boldly. The darkness will recognise what you carry. Let that confirm, not confuse, your identity in Christ.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for placing Your light within me. Help me to walk with confidence, knowing that Your presence changes every atmosphere I enter. Teach me to live aware of what I already carry — Your peace, Your authority, and Your power. May I freely give what You have so freely given to me. Amen.

___

Image courtesy of Unsplash.

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5 Comments

  1. c05a9d2a9865fd00acfdc50085008756afc1c4aad6cc42a4249e3cc78b0cf01b?s=54&d=mm&r=g
    Christine Crawford 22 July 2025 at 9:33 am - Reply

    I had a similar situation occur to me about 35 years ago driving through Nimbin. we were going to stop on our journey to Brisbane. We reached the edge of Nimbin and I started to get very negative vibes. By the time we reached the centre of the town I was telling my husband to start hot footing to get out of the place! I never thought such a pretty little place could conceal such evil.

  2. 3f4d321982d8364f46f3525699c52b5c93a60216487b96ef246fd6a7d3fbdc22?s=54&d=mm&r=g
    Barbara Bluett 22 July 2025 at 3:32 pm - Reply

    Thanks Tamara, that’s so encouraging.

  3. DAY 31 Warwick Author CD MAY 2023 OPT
    Warwick Marsh 22 July 2025 at 5:49 pm - Reply

    Great article!!!!!

  4. f910f8648b50864a0a4fa9cff6838335a9df65757870ba46526d3fd0fd4d5768?s=54&d=mm&r=g
    Ian Moncrieff 22 July 2025 at 8:15 pm - Reply

    Thanks for the godly challenge, Tamara. So true,

  5. Leonie Robson
    Leonie Robson 23 July 2025 at 7:17 pm - Reply

    Excellent article Tamara.
    A great reminder to us Who we serve and carry, Christ in us, the hope of glory.

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