I remember a psychology course I had in college, where I was introduced to the idea that humans, when threatened, choose between two primal responses: They either stay and fight with the intent to conquer their foe, or else they turn and flee in hope of evading the threat. But I’ve found a third approach in my study of the Bible. Christ Jesus overcame threats directed at him with neither of those two options. He chose instead to shine the light of the Christ on the situation and let God guide toward a solution that blessed everyone.
In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, the author equates “the Word” with “Christ.” He writes that the Word “was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). The Christ can be considered as the Word of God, enlightening and uplifting thought to the perception of infinite possibilities far beyond the limits of the fight or flight response. The light of the Christ brings inspired solutions to whatever challenges we may face.
Sometimes in church work we are faced with issues that try to evoke one of those two responses in us and in our fellow church members. But when we seek a prayerful solution, the light of the Christ can bring harmony to those challenging situations.
