The Illuminators
Throughout our stories, there are specific moments where people step in for either brief or extended periods and have profound impacts on our lives. Whether through words spoken, help given in a time of need, or acts of kindness that we may not immediately understand, these individuals—whom I will call ‘Illuminators’—come and go. Often, they may not even realize the significance of their actions. Who are the Illuminators in your life? It is our responsibility to remember them and remind them of the effects they have had on us when the time is right.
The Illuminators are those who, knowingly or unknowingly, are being used by God for the glory of His kingdom. As believers, we carry the true Light of the world wherever we go (John 8:12). It is our responsibility as ambassadors of Christ to listen and abide by the instructions He gives us (2 Corinthians 5:20).
A few words or actions from an Illuminator during a time of struggle can significantly alter our perspectives. In my life, these Illuminators have been servants of God. But what does it truly mean to be an Illuminator?
The Illuminators Are Those Who Enter Dark Places to Serve
During my childhood, I witnessed many things a child should not have to bear. Going to church while returning home to difficult circumstances made me cynical and resistant toward God. I developed anger issues and struggled to become the person I desired to be, fearing I would mirror the same patterns I sought to escape.
Yet, during those times, people from the church stepped in to serve our family when we were in need. They brought the light of Jesus through their service, even when I was internally struggling (Matthew 5:16). Whether it be helping fix the van when it broke down or the electricity when it stopped working, their kindness planted seeds in my heart, and though I didn’t realize it at the time, those acts of love shaped who I am today.
The Illuminators Are the Good Samaritans
There comes a time in everyone’s life when we are knocked down. The question is: Will there be a Good Samaritan to help us back up? (Luke 10:25-37). Too often, people assume someone else will step in, but what if we stopped waiting and became that person ourselves?
I am guilty of this. How many times have I passed someone struggling on the side of the road and not stopped? Fear from the world tells us it is not safe to do, but what if God tells us to? Are we to just cling to our own fears instead of our obedience to God? Many of us use discernment as an excuse to avoid serving the Lord mistaking worldly wisdom for God’s direction, Yet, Jesus tells us to do otherwise in His Words and actions. It is easy to hesitate in such situations, but when God calls us to serve, we must act (James 2:14-17).
The Illuminators Offer Comfort in Times of Trial
In the midst of my depression throughout 2020, I was cut off from many people, but my sister and several others who are also followers of Jesus would call in on me and check up on me at times that I really needed it. To be an encouragement during these times does more than you may even know. Sometimes all it takes is picking up the phone selflessly and you may save a life without even knowing it.
How many times have you faced hardship and had someone support you—whether financially, emotionally, or simply by being present? How many names come to mind? Often, God's presence becomes most evident when we feel alone and someone reaches out to help (Psalm 34:18).
The Illuminators Plant Seeds Without Expecting to See the Harvest
As pointed out previously there were several people who reached out to me during the midst of that depression. One of those people that reached out is no longer here with us today. He didn’t see the fruit of what he planted while he was here. He never know, while he was here, how much his few words of encouragement impacted me. Some will serve others and never witness the fruit of their labor. But that does not make their work any less valuable. Paul reminds us that one plants, another waters, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Faithful service is never in vain.
The Illuminators Provide Opportunities When Others Do Not
Illuminators are those who see the value in others, even when they don’t see it in themselves. Jesus exemplified this by calling the disciples—ordinary men whom society overlooked—to be His followers (Matthew 4:18-22). Similarly, we are called to recognize and uplift those around us.
My first boss happened to be a pastor of a small church. My job was more or less as an assistant to his office at the university as he was a professor there as well. I did not deserve the job that he gave me. I had to learn many things in the midst of the job and many times did not do things the way he wanted them to be done. He was patient with me allowing me to correct mistakes and still gave me my first opportunity to begin my journey.
The Illuminators Befriend the Outcasts
An area that I struggle with is seeing people being rejected or unheard and only talked about. There was a mention that my pastor made in the sermon a couple of weeks ago that is it compassion if there is no action? How many times do we pity the circumstances that others face and talk about how terrible it is without sending our hands to help make it right?
Jesus spent time with those whom society rejected—tax collectors, sinners, and the marginalized (Luke 5:30-32). In our daily lives, we encounter countless individuals who feel unseen. Even as an introvert, I sometimes struggle to engage with others, but I recognize that demonstrating Christ’s love requires stepping beyond my comfort zone.
Conclusion
To know the Light of Life is to know Jesus, the true Light (John 1:4-5). As followers of Christ, we are privileged to carry the Holy Spirit within us, illuminating the world through our actions. The question is: Will we choose to be the light in someone else’s darkness?
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).