Last week a sports legend's life came to a tragic end. I've never been a Lakers fan and I was always a bit salty about the Hornets trading Kobe away. However, it would be impossible to ignore the talent and energy he brought to the game. It was incredible how quickly the reports of his death caught fire in the news and on social media. This is a testament to the impact that public figures, especially ones as gifted as Kobe, have on our society.
If we rewind twenty-seven years to 1993, we might remember another talented basketball player, Charles Barkley, famously said, "I am not a role model." This comment sparked a Nike commercial and a national debate about the responsibility an athlete or anyone in the spotlight should have for the example they set for the millions watching them.
Now rewind to around 30 A.D. when Jesus reminded his followers that "[They] are the light of the world." What exactly did he mean? I think we would be wise to consider what kind of light Jesus is calling us to be. Let's linger for a minute to think about two different kinds of lights and how they can be used as a metaphor for how we interact with the world.
First, consider a spotlight. It's central purpose is to reveal what's hidden in the dark. Prison guards might use it to uncover an inmate trying to escape. Rescue workers might use it to find a camper lost in the wilderness. A police officer might use it to see what a teenage couple is doing in the backseat of a car parked on a deserted road.
As Christians, we sometimes feel it's our job as a "light of the world" to expose the sin and brokenness of others so that they and everyone around them can clearly see what they are doing is wrong. This is a practice that's become viral in our society today, even beyond the Christian community. For whatever reason, we seem to love to expose and tear down our heroes. Consider the fall of Bill Cosby, Jerry Richardson, Tiger Woods and Bill Hybels. Without question these are all examples of men who made horrible choices that will likely forever taint their legacy. Perhaps the lives of these public figures proves Charles Barkley's point?
Before we come to that conclusion, let's consider another kind of light...the lighthouse. It's central purpose is to show the way and provide safe passage for ships sailing in dark and stormy conditions. In our society, it's become a symbol of hope. A lighthouse isn't intended to be shined on a ship, but to reveal a course that will provide safe passage to the shore. Would this image perhaps be a better example of what Jesus was saying? If you read past His call to be a light of the world, He said, "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthews 5: 14-16) In this context, being a light seems to be more about the goodness that flows from us then the sin we expose in others.
I don't know about you, but I'm more excited about the idea of being a lighthouse. I respect Barkley's point that parents need to take responsibility for raising their children, but I also recognize the immense shadow that is cast by those that have chosen to stand in the national spotlight. Yes, it can expose you, but it can also reveal a safe passage for all those that strive to reach a similar level of success. When I leave this world, it will likely be a quiet news day. However, it's my hope that the light I leave behind will be one of the lights that reveals a safe passage home for those who saw it.