Neon

Neon is one of the Noble gases located in the far-right column of the Periodic Table

What do you think of when you think of neon?

Many of us think of a bright, lit up neon sign. And this is true! Neon is used in the advertising industry to create signs that light up windows and storefronts of restaurants and businesses. When neon gas is exposed to an electric current, the atoms become energized and release this energy in the form of a bright red-orange light.

(Bonus Fact: If other gases are mixed in with the neon, such as argon, mercury, etc. other colors can be created)

These neon signs help the businesses to stand out. And whether composed of pure neon or mixed with other gases, the end result is the same: Light.

Jesus refers to himself as the Light of the World.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

John 8:12

But he also calls us that.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

As light, we’re made to stand up and stand out too.

In the above verses, we are told to let our light shine before others. But the goal is not that they may notice us, but rather notice God.

We aren’t the main event. We aren’t the main light. God is.

We are to be like a neon sign. The neon sign itself isn’t what people come for. They come for the restaurant. For the store. The neon sign’s purpose isn’t to just be a pretty, decorative light. Its purpose, with its friendly lit up declarations of OPEN! or COME ON IN!, is to point people to their destination.

The gospel of John shares the story of an interaction between two of Jesus’ disciples. Philip is attempting to convince Nathaniel that Jesus is the one they have been looking for — that he is the Messiah. Nathaniel has a hard time believing this to be true. Philip’s response is simple. “Come and see.”

We as Christians, as Jesus Followers, are God’s “neon signs” placed — I would even go so far as to say strategically placed — throughout this world.

Instead of an OPEN or COME ON IN sign, we can be COME AND SEE signs. Signs that light the way to Jesus.