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Whether you have been walking with Jesus for years or are exploring faith for the first time, I want to share a powerful truth with you today:
We are called to be more than mere churchgoers. We are called to be the church beyond the walls—the guiding light in a dark world.
Please close your eyes and envision a majestic lighthouse perched on a rugged cliff, its brilliant beam cutting through the darkness and stretching across the vast expanse of the sea.
That light serves a vital purpose: to guide ships safely to the harbor.
In the same way, Jesus calls us to be beacons of His love, grace, and truth, guiding others toward Him. As His believers and followers, we are vessels of His light, positioned by Him to help our neighbors love Jesus, themselves, and others (Luke 10:27).
Now, imagine a rough stormy night at sea. Amidst the raging darkness and crashing waves, an emerging, towering lighthouse stands tall, emanating a warning light that pierces through the thick gloomy storm of a night. Its light starkly dispelled the darkness, alerting ships of imminent danger and protecting them from destruction.
Similarly, as believers and followers of Jesus, we are called to use our light to caution others about the blinding nature and consequences of sin and guide them toward the safety of a relationship with Jesus.
It goes without saying it’s important to remember that our responsibility is not to condemn a person that has fallen into sin but to share the truth in the love of the Gospel and the hope found in the gift of salvation in Jesus.
Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect, contemplating the impact you can make as a guiding light for those around you. Consider the following questions:
- How can your life expressively reflect Jesus in a way that draws others to Him?
- In whom do you see an opportunity to be a gentle and loving warning light, guiding them away from destructive paths?
Just as a lighthouse stands tall, steadfast, and radiates light, we are called to carry the light of Christ into the world around us. Let your words be drenched in kindness, compassion, and love in every interaction.
Show others the transformative power of Christ’s love by extending grace and forgiveness. Your actions possess the potential to lead others onto the right path.
The Path to Practical Next Steps:
Seek God’s discernment, wisdom, and revelation on how best to practically share God’s truth in love as a light in a dark world. Consider the following:
Be a Neighbor of Prayer
Dedicate time to intercede for your neighbors. Ask God to reveal Himself to them, soften their hearts, and draw them closer. Pray for divine opportunities to share your faith and tangibly show Christ’s love.
Be a Neighbor of Service
Extend warm invitations to your neighbors for shared meals, gatherings, or activities. Look for practical ways to meet their needs and demonstrate Christ’s love through selfless acts of service.
Be a Neighbor of Encouragement
Invest genuine effort in building connections with your neighbors. Show kindness, offer sincere compliments, and engage in meaningful conversations. When you spot someone struggling, lend a helping hand or provide uplifting words of encouragement.
Lastly, let’s take a moment to consider three individuals whom Jesus calls you to be a light to. They may be your beloved family members, dear friends, coworker, or acquaintances you encounter daily. It’s time to intentionally contact them to initiate a meeting or conversation that genuinely matters. Call or text right now to have a heartfelt prayer or an encouraging word, or let them know they are indeed seen, valued, heard, and loved.
Now, let’s imagine our world, just like the sweeping beam of a lighthouse, where we, the Church of Jesus, lived in unity. Picture each of us shining our light together in perfect harmony and oneness. Can you grasp the incredible impact we could make in this dark and broken world when we stand united as beacons for Jesus?
I want to share a remarkable moment that unfolded during a memorable night at a TCU football game. It vividly portrays the power of unifying lights dispelling darkness and is a beautiful illustration of what can happen when we all come together as one.
As we wholeheartedly embrace the calling to be the church beyond the walls, our lives become catalysts in building God’s kingdom and expanding His boundless love to those around us.
May our lives radiate the radiant light of Christ Jesus, drawing others closer to the warmth, hope, and transformative power He so lovingly and freely offers.
Let’s Pray:
Dear God, we humbly thank You for the privilege of being carriers of Your divine light. Empower us to boldly go beyond the walls and actively live out our faith in a way that reflects Your love for the world. Grant us wisdom and sensitivity to guide others on truth and salvation. May we be vessels of grace, compassion, and service, authentically demonstrating Your character to our neighbors. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.