A dim light in the daytime

For decades the church has seemed a dim lamp in the daytime. We've aimed to be no more than a better expression of humanity. And we've simultaneously declared our surrounding culture 'Christian'.

The church now seems ready to concede that the darkening culture isn't such a good representation of Christ and his kingdom. But how do we view ourselves?

The future offers us great opportunity. The church's power is seen best in contrast. But it matters where we aim our sights. If we compare ourselves to culture, our lamp will gradually dim—always calibrated to be a soft glow, barely noticeable. If we fix our eyes on Jesus and make his likeness our passion, our lamp will become an intense beacon to those suffering in darkness.