The Kingdom of Light in the Midst of Darkness by Darryl & Gwen Smith

I love Darryl and Gwen Smith. They lead a Unity and Diversity team for Cru, helping us navigate the challenging pathways for our ministry, our nation, the world. Their perspective is grounded in the love of God and years of personal experience.

As we carry on with navigating through this world full of chaos from COVID-19 to racial tension, some questions have arisen in our hearts: “What should be our response as believers in this world?” and “Who or what are we allowing to disciple us as believers?” Maybe it’s social media at times, other times it may be our political affiliations or our 24-hour newsfeed. But as followers of Jesus, we should be discipled by Him. Our talking points should come from God's holy Word.

Jesus gives us clear direction in Matthew chapter five about how we are to respond in our interactions with the world. He tells us in verse 13 that we are to be the salt of the earth: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

As salt, when we interact with the culture, we should influence the culture and not the other way around. For example, if a piece of chicken represents the world and we are the salt, the salt is put on the chicken and in turn, changes the flavor. Some might say that the chicken is too salty but never that the salt is too “chickeny”. Unfortunately, at times, this can happen where the culture begins to influence us instead of us influencing the culture. Jesus warned His disciples that they could lose their “saltiness” and the same applies to us today.

Jesus goes on in Matthew 5 verses 14-16 to instruct us to also be the light of the world:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Darkness is the absence of light. Anything that leaves Jesus out of the picture represents darkness. Sometimes we tend to think of darkness with extreme examples such as Adolf Hitler or Jeffrey Dahmer. But when Scripture talks about darkness, it talks about an absence of the Light (Jesus).

There are so many instances all throughout this world every day where God is being left out of the picture. Jesus has called us His followers to be light in a world full of darkness and to do that we need to to allow Him to fill us with His Spirit and put our light on display. But often there are things, like our sin and the lies that we believe, that cause us to blend in and hide the light that has been miraculously given to us.

What a beautiful testament it is to walk in the kingdom of light instead of darkness! The world witnesses Christ when we are:

building one another up and praying for one another instead of attacking with slander and gossip. Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Social media isn't a place to destroy others but to build others up.
turning away wrath with a gentle answer. Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” God hasn’t called us to respond to one another in a combative manner.
putting others above ourselves instead of ignoring the needs of others. Philippians 2:4: :…not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” As believers, we are not looking for a win-win. Jesus thought of us more than Himself.
walking in humility instead of pride. James 4:6: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
keeping no records of wrongs instead of seeking vengeance. 1 Corinthians 13: 5: “(love) …does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Forgiving, comforting, and showing kindness instead of being bitter and angry. Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Let’s be extra cautious not to call ourselves salt and light but lose our flavor and brightness by blending in with the kingdom of this world. Instead, let’s allow God to use us so men and women may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. A city is built on a hill so it may be seen. Let’s be encouraged to live out faith-filled obedience for the good of others around us to show them what Christ is like!

Jesus is our lighthouse as we navigate through the darkness and, as believers, we can meet one another at the foot of the cross where the light transformed us. We are not the Light, but we have the awesome privilege of bearing witness to the Light.

During these times in a country that seems so divided, it is freeing to know that we, as believers, don’t proclaim an elephant or a donkey as the world does. Instead, we can stand up and proclaim a Lamb that was slain. And that’s Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. We are grateful to God for our relationship with Him that allows us to unite and partner with you in an effort to allow the Light of Jesus to shine through us on everyone we come in contact with.

Darryl and Gwen Smith with my husband Steve and me

Darryl and Gwen Smith were both born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. After High School, Darryl served in the US Army for three years. God saved him in 1991; he was licensed to preach in 1992, and ordained in 1994. Gwen studied Organizational Management graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from Covenant College. She gave her life to Christ in 1987 and they both joined staff with Cru in 1996 with a heart for young people.

For the first six years of ministry, they worked in the field reaching and discipling students at Howard High School in Chattanooga. Darryl also served as Chattanooga’s City Director and the Southeast Regional Director. Subsequently, in the summer of 2006 Cru asked Darryl to serve as the Executive Director for the High School Ministry and upon accepting, they moved their family to the National Headquarters in Orlando, Florida. In 2013 they both were also invited to join the Campus Ministry Executive Team, while Gwen simultaneously began using her design and event planning skills as the Event Coordinator for the Campus Fund Development team.

Throughout their time of stewarding these different leadership roles that God has called them to, they have both been committed to utilizing their gifts by also speaking and teaching the word of God all around the world.

In 2017 Cru announced the creation of a new role within the U.S. Leadership team in which the Lord led Darryl and Gwen to co-direct. Their journey has prepared them to lead as the National Directors of Oneness and Diversity in this next season of their ministry, with dependence upon Jesus to help create a culturally diverse environment throughout all of Cru. They believe for, envision, and are trusting the Lord to see a great expansion of The Gospel through unity of mind, heart, and purpose.