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Today, we are going to use an object lesson. The object is a glow stick that shines red, white and blue. Philippians 2:15 tells us to, “Shine as lights in the world.” It is one thing to shine light into the world – giving others the light of God’s Word. But shining as lights implies that your life – your character, your words and behavior – is glowing in a dark world that needs to see something better coming from people. Simple things like a kind word or deed, an act of patience, a smile or laugh, a positive encouragement, etc. It could even be something that you don’t do – not laughing at a joke that is in poor taste, not looking at something inappropriate that others are enjoying, restraining yourself when someone has wronged you, etc.

So, we’re using a glow stick. Usually, fathers get a gift at Northland Bible Church that is useful and serves a practical purpose. Today, you get a toy. Don’t give it to the kids, even if they beg you. For this object lesson to make an impression on you, you have to use it personally.

First you break it and shake it. Fathers need to be sure that pride and stubbornness is not the cheap imitation of strength that some men nurture. Before we can glow in the dark, our will must be “broken” and surrendered before God. We must see ourselves as in the hands of our Heavenly Father and dependent on Him. The “shake-ups” in life are opportunities that can reveal things in us that, hopefully, come from Christ who lives in us.

Notice the Red, White and Blue colors.

Red can remind us of sacrificial love. God so loved us He gave His Son. Christ so loved us He gave His life’s blood. Glowing in the dark will cost you something. It will require sacrifice.

White can remind us of a pure life. Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputing: that you may be blameless and harmless (sincere) the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”

Blue can remind us of the water of God’s Word. Philippians 2:15-16 says, “…shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life…” The powerful example of a Scripture-driven life makes a gentle and lasting impression on others. Blue is also the color of the sky. Our lives need to show a heavenly perspective, keeping eternity in view.

So, Fathers, one night go out and sit on the porch or in the backyard with your glow stick. Break it. Shake it. Spend a little time to prayerfully think about these things. See Matthew 5:1-16.