Lately, on Sundays, an odd shadow on the front worship center wall pulls my attention. Years ago someone made the cross that hangs up front and gave it to the Pastor. Not all that long ago, someone added a fake dove. Though I understand the intention, the lighting creates an unintentional effect that makes me uncomfortable.

The spotlight on the dove creates an ominous shadow. It reminds me of a vulture on a limb. So, in church every Sunday, my overactive imagination takes a symbol of peace and warps it into a hideous creature that eats the rotting flesh of dead animals. Good times.

My group of friends sat chatting last week about how much we do not know about people we encounter. Especially now, in the era of social media, we create facades. Our world encourages us to conform to whatever is trending. We excel, whether we mean to or not, at looking a certain way. Meanwhile, in private, we look and operate differently.

Now, I am not saying we are all vultures on a limb. However, we benefit from considering the light others see us in. Am I content with the trendy spotlight? Or, would I much rather let the light of the gospel shining in my heart be what casts a shadow for others to see?

I heard a story today about a woman who figuratively casts a very odd shadow through her behavior. Her story reminded me of myself several years ago. My mind went immediately to the vulture on a limb.

God made us for His glory, but the enemy wants to warp how others see us. He leverages trends, accusations, and things contrary to God’s Word against us. I am still guilty, at times, of letting the wrong light source color others’ perceptions of me. Too often in life, the enemy has lit me with his floodlight of shame. I cast a hideous shadow when he does that.

What light do others see you in? Can you identify, like me, times when others see a warped representation of who God says you are?  What floodlights does the enemy leverage against you? Regardless, the enemy with his spotlights and accusations will cause trouble. But, we can take heart because Jesus has already overcome the world.

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV