As Christians, we’re called to be light in the midst of darkness, to represent Christ to those who don’t know Him by letting His light shine through us.

I sometimes wonder how to do that. When I read FaceBook posts that spread lies about Christians, their beliefs, and their actions, I want to protest. I’m tempted to defend myself, my faith, and my Lord. But, it seems that will only stir up conflict. What does it mean to let your light shine in times of anger, manipulative lies, and name-calling?

So far, I’ve held my tongue, but the temptation to strike back reveals my heart. It’s clear that the old man is still kicking within.

Consequently, I sometimes wonder, “How should I respond to ‘them,’ to those with opposing views that are so vocal and in my face? What does a Christian act like in these times?”

Jeff Bramel shared from Romans 12 that gave clear guidelines on what the Christian life looks like. Furthermore, Paul lived in a time similar to ours, when immorality and corruption were rampant. He was speaking to believers who would have questions similar to ours.

I’m sure it isn’t even complete, but these verses are full of guidelines that are suitable for us today and are worthy of contemplation and prayer.

Paul told the Romans:

• Abhor what is evil;
• Cling to what is good (v. 9).
• Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;
• Give preference to one another in honor (v. 10);
• Don’t lag behind in diligence,
• Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (v.11);
• Rejoicing in hope,
• Persevere in tribulation,
• Be devoted to prayer (v. 12),
• Contribute to the needs of the saints,
• Practicing hospitality (v. 13).
• Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not (v.14).
• Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (v.15).
• Be of the same mind toward one another;
• Do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly.
• Do not be wise in your own estimation (v. 16).
• Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.
• Respect what is right in the sight of all men (v. 17).
• If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (v. 18).
• Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (v. 19).
• “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head” (v. 20).
• Do not be overcome by evil (v. 21),
• But overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:9-21 NAS).

This describes what it looks like to walk in right relationships with our fellow man. To consistently check off all the points is a challenge for most of us—especially if the actions come from the heart, rather than forcing an outward show.

And yet, if they are not from the heart, it is an impossible list.

In short, the answer to the question of how to let your light shine in the midst of the darkness, is deeper than I was asking. I wanted to know, “How do I respond? What do I do?”

But, I see by the things that Paul said that I cannot measure up.

Rather, I need to be transformed. I need to be surrendered so that the Lord will work through me and His light will shine through me. Then, He will bring it about, and only then will His purposes be realized through me.

Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

⁶ And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,

And your judgment as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing.

⁹ For evildoers will be cut off,

But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

(Ps. 37:5-9 NAS)