Let the words sink in a minute. Not only is this a classic hit from the Newsboys, the words reflect truth that should challenge you to step out into a dark world, according to Peter Furler, lead vocalist for the group.
Encouraging a new generation to make a difference is at the heart of the Newsboys' mission. So when Whitaker House publishers approached band members about doing a book with a glow-in-the-dark cover, they jumped at the chance to "Shine." Published this July, the book with its glowing cover is not meant to be a novelty or gimmick, says Furler. "It is meant to visually remind the reader that is what we as Christians need to do - shine in dark places."
"Shine" encourages people to blaze a new frontier, to attack world poverty or address AIDS, says Furler. He wonders if it is possible that the AIDS virus exists to move Christians toward good deeds. "It would be so wonderful if we were the people that when certain communities heard of us, they wouldn't think of hypocrites or child molesters or judgmental people. But instead, they remembered why there is a St. Mark's Hospital or a St. John's Hospital - because there was a generation back then that served Christ through good deeds."
But what does it really mean to shine? How can believers get there? "To shine is about light," Furler explains. "I think it becomes brighter when there is less of us and there is more of Christ, because He is the only true light. He is incorruptible where we are corruptible. That's really where it starts. It's not about our efforts. It's about self denial."
Selfishness is "such a tricky dog," according to Furler. "It comes in so many forms." One example is pity. Furler believes there is a big difference between feeling sorry for people and having compassion. Feeling sorry for people still involves "us." Sometimes we think we can "help people out" because we are "special." Compassion, on the other hand, does not involve us. It is realizing that, by God's grace, "there go I."
Godly discipline and holy habits are bedrocks in Furler's own life. Solitude, prayer, confession, worship and study are the key components. "I ask God for the desire to desire Him. That's where it starts for me," he admits. But, in the vein of "be careful what you pray for," Furler doesn't pray to be humbled, he says, laughing. "One of the things that I love about God is that He's out of control. He's not safe, but He is just and good."
Worship requires a certain amount of "emptying," according to Furler. "For me to stand in front of a crowd and throw my hands up takes humility. Again, that's a way to lose yourself."
Furler says he also prays for ears to hear. God's sheep recognize His voice; they know His word and what He sounds like. "So we need to be quiet, to know if we are hearing His voice or not. And we need to read His word."
In order to shine, Furler continues, "take a day at a time. It's about daily bread. Don't worry about the future. Remember that His mercies are new every morning. Take them - they are new every morning for a reason. We need them."
Pointing to the parables of Jesus for a lesson, Furler asks, "Remember where the man was forgiven a great debt and he walked off rejoicing? That's how we are when we first find Christ. But then the guy goes and finds somebody who owed him a small amount of money and beats him up and throws him into prison. That's the exact opposite of what it means to shine," he adds.
Those who understand the grace and forgiveness they have been shown by Christ can then reflect it to others. And that, says Furler, is a very attractive thing for people to see - "someone who is full of grace, full of mercy, full of love and full of forgiveness."
The concept in "Shine" is not new. Furler calls it a "2000-year-old approach," which has not been "around much lately." It's a declaration for a new generation whom the band hopes will "lead in the area of world peace through Christ," because they have found peace and they have found joy.
According to Furler, this generation is not ashamed of the gospel. But the struggle now is a division between Christians and non-Christians, or among groups of Christians. "It's slowly becoming 'us versus them' and that's when grace dies," Furler explains.
This post-modern era is "not a time to pretty up the gospel, or dress it up and take it to the prom," he adds. "We need to get back to the basics, back to the good news. We don't need to make the gospel trendy. "
The book, says Furler, brings people down to earth. "The bottom line? We need to get out of ourselves and serve others. Your light shines when you empty yourself and let Christ shine through you. Be the change you want to see."
Reprinted with permission from the July issue of CCM Magazine.
