A Light Of Hope

A Light of Hope

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Now that we’ve had a spiritual awakening, we can see how a daily practice of the principles in all our affairs is important. We can’t just do things now and again, here and there, and hope to stay alert.

Paul warned all believers to be alert and ready for the return of Christ at any moment. “For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8).

Just as we need sleep on a regular basis to keep us alert during the daytime, we need regular application of the Twelve Steps to keep us sober. Jesus told his disciples, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Light makes itself evident by contrast. As we practice the Twelve Steps in all of our affairs, we’ll shine in a dark world. We can be a light of hope for people still searching for answers. Let’s not hide our light, but let it shine!

As our lives brighten through recovery, we can bring hope to others by letting the light shine out.