“Be a light!” That’s what Beth Ann Schaeber said to her three boys every day. Before she dropped them off at a friend’s house or their sporting event or when they walked out the door to go to school, “Be a light!” was the last thing they heard. They responded, “Shine bright!” Beth Ann knew that she was sending her kids into a dark world. She knew that they had been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light to reflect the light of Jesus. The apostle Paul gave us the same challenge.

Romans 13:12
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Jesus—the Light—came into the world. The night was taken over by the light of the day. Because of Jesus, we can take off the clothes of darkness and throw them behind us. Our new clothing is battle gear—the armor of light.

In Ephesians 6, Paul describes the armor of light as the armor of God. We are to put on the custom-made battle gear of integrity, obedience, the peace that passes human understanding, trusting God in all circumstances, living with the certainty of eternity, and knowing how to use the Word of God. And we are to pray “at all times”—depending on the One who is the Light to keep us walking in the light.

“Be the light!” was not just something Beth Ann said, it was something she did. When she learned she had an aggressive form of cancer, Beth Ann shined even brighter. She and her husband, Paul, picked out a verse for the battle ahead of them: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Early on a Sunday morning, Beth Ann put down the battle gear and went home to be with her Savior. She wore the armor of light well! She left us with the challenge to “Be a light.” It’s our turn to “Shine bright!”

Father,
Thank you for the example of the saints that have gone before us. Thank you for allowing us to see someone wear the armor of light so well. Give us the courage to do the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen.