Dimming Down the Light     

Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 12/13/2022

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”(Jn 8:12)

“The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (Jn 1:7-9).

Many years ago I put dimmer switches in our home in a couple of rooms.  It was good to adjust the light down to a dim glow using them as a night lights.  Many dimmer switches are used in church sanctuaries everywhere for mood purposes, to help with viewing a play or activity, a choir special, or perhaps just allowing more focus on the podium or backdrop.   However, there is another Light that is being ‘dimmed down’ in many churches.  That is the “true Light”.  JESUS.  It seems that our struggle to ‘fill the church’ includes ‘bouncy houses for the kids’, music programs that reflect or mimick the outside world, preaching that is more entertaining than scriptual, movies and words displayed on large screens in the sanctuary, and dress so ‘casual’ it borders on indecency (and that includes choir members).   The Light of Jesus is being dimmed down or even extinguished when such things are done.

Churches will often justify their actions in an attempt to populate the congregation. Worship is not about numbers.  “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Ps 29:2). God will give us what we need when we glorify Him (Phil 4:19).  Bringing the world into the church will not glorify God. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Cor 6:17).  God’s word, the Bible tells us to “be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet 1:15b).   If God is in the sanctuary (which He should be within us), He is to be revered and glorified (1 Pet 4:16).  Perhaps every church member should read about church order ( 1 Cor 14:40) (Eph 4:11-16).  More than that, every believer should read God’s word in its entirety.

Want a revival in the church?  It starts with us individually.  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14).  It will not happen by “dimming down the Light”.

Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
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