‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.   Matthew 5:14-16

Today I am beginning a four-week sermon series on “Practicing the Positive Presence of Jesus.”

Our culture’s interest in “spirituality” touches on themes such as:

• Spiritual enlightenment:
• Being connected to the divine power of the universe
• Being one with God and all of creation
• Awakening to our life’s purpose
• Discovering the power of positive energy
• Growing in awareness of “divine synchronicity”
• Discovering the spiritual energy of the power of intention
• Living in the now – or the present moment.

Authors such as: Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, to name a few, are very popular. Now, before you assume that the interim pastor has become a New Age aficionado, we need to ask ourselves what we can learn from this interest in spirituality as we explore the dimensions of our own faith.

The path we follow is the Jesus Path. We are Christians, we are called by Christ’s name; we are Christ followers.

If there is truthin any of the different explorations of spirituality, it is God’s truth.

If there is any truth in any of these different explorations, I do not discount them, but rather I look to see if they throw more light on the path of following Jesus…

Let me give you an example. Wayne Dyer, in his book, The Power of Intention, (PBS Special) writes: “Over the past quarter of a century, I’ve felt a shift in my thinking from a purely psychological or personal-growth emphasis toward a spiritual orientation…my writing now emphasizes a belief that we can find spiritual solutions to problems by living at higher levels…”

And…one of the most current popular authors/teachers is Eckhart Tolle.

Tolle’s book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose - was an Oprah book pick, with about 3.5 million copies being shipped since Oprah announced it.

At the beginning of his book, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, (which has sold over 2 million copies and was a New York Times Bestseller), writes that there is an urgent need for a radical change in human consciousness if humanity is not to destroy both itself and the planet.

We do need to find spiritual solutions for ourselves and for our world - the issues of world hunger, poverty, genocide, war between nations & ethnic groups. Our faith produces a radical change in our lives which overflows to love, service and compassion for our world.

In John 8:12 we find one of the “I AM” sayings on the lips of Jesus: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

In Matthew 5:14 we find one of the “YOU ARE” sayings of Jesus: “You are the light of the world….let your light shine before others..” WOW – talk about being connected to the divine power of the universe!!!

We are called to live out the reality of who we are… the light of the world!

By this time you have probably heard the Denominational Light Bulb Jokes:

How many Charismatics/Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb?

Only one, since his/her hands are in the air anyway.

How many Anglicans or Catholics does it take to change a light bulb?

None. They always use candles.

How many Southern Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?

Six. One woman to replace the bulb, while five men argue over church lighting policy.

How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?

Four. One to change the bulb. One to bless the elements. One to pour the sherry. And one to offer a toast to the old light bulb.

How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb?

The Presbyterians are still waiting to hear back from the task force commissioned by the General Assembly. The task force will report back in two years.

How many Zen masters does it take to change in a light bulb? A tree in a golden forest. !!!!!

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world.”

When we see ourselves in this “light” our lives are transformed and also the lives of those around us will be transformed.

“Christ in us” (Colossians 1:27)makes it possible for us to live in the positive energy of the Spirit, to be alive in the present moment and to allow God’s light & love to shine forth in our world.

In the KC STAR you might have seen the recent interesting exchange of Letters to the Editor about the need for churches. Yes, we acknowledge that there have been many abuses done in the name of religion and the Christian faith. But that doesn’t discount the fact that Christians of all denominations have lived with Christ’s light shining through them throughout the centuries- building hospitals, orphanages, educational institutions, being active in hunger relief, the list is practically endless.

It is interesting that Deepak Chopra dedicates his new book, The Third Jesus, to the Irish Christian brothers in India who taught in the school he attended and “introduced me to Jesus when I was a little boy.” Deepak says he learned the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12 from them:  In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the law and the prophets.” THE GOLDEN RULE.

Think about the following:

• God lives in us. Christ lives in us and through us. Light< love< life…flowing through us to our world.
• “You are the body of Christ” (ICor. 12) and individually members of it.
• The energizing power of the Holy Spirit flows through us…”the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us.”

As we practice the positive presence of Jesus in the world we find our lives being transformed and the lives of those around us. Let us seek God’s truth wherever we find it!