Afraid

Many people seem to be afraid of the light.  I have never seen a survey but I would think that most of the crimes that take place, take place at night under the cover of darkness.  These things happen in the physical realm and these things relate to the spiritual realm also.  Just like a person that doesn’t want to reveal what they are about to do in their criminal pursuit, so as not to get caught, they do it in the shadow of the cover of night or in darkness.  What they are trying to do is to keep their criminal activity a secret.  In the spiritual realm people hide also from the light so that their sin will not be exposed because they love the darkness rather than the light and they love the things that their sin nature entices them to do.

Let’s check out what the Word of God says about this in John 3:19-21, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

When people come into the light of God’s realm and His Word, it is kind of like an X-ray machine, it exposes their sin that they don’t want to see themselves or to allow anyone else to see them either, because they love what they are doing.  Do not be surprised if you are a believer and you are letting your light shine and you get rejected by others because of it, not everyone wants to be exposed to that kind of light so they stay clear of you for fear of their sins being exposed.  Too many times believers shrink back because of isolation and rejection and don’t want to speak up; that is the game the non-believer plays to stay safe and not be exposed or convicted of their sins.

On one occasion Jesus said this in Luke 12:51-53, “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

These words may come as a shock from Jesus, but they are so true.  When we make a commitment to Jesus it may alienate us from some of our family members and also some friends and even other people.  Jesus has to be number one in our lives and when we receive Him as our Lord and Savior there will be conflict, even with those in our families at times.  Sometimes believers will have to sever their relationships with others in their walk with the Lord.

This reminds me of these verses in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”

We need to be separated from the non-believer as far as close relationships are concerned and as far as things that bind us together.  But we still need to love them, pray for them and be on friendly terms, but not so close that we are enticed by their sins and sinful practices.  

This is what we need to be doing as believers, read Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The only way a flashlight will bring forth its light is by someone turning it on and in our houses one of the ways we get light in a dark room is by turning on the light.  For us to shine forth our light in this dark, lost and dying world we must be willing to let our light shine.  When we put our trust in Jesus He takes us from darkness into His marvelous light, read 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..”

The way we let our light shine is by witnessing and also by our love and our good works.  When we are related to Jesus through rebirth we need not fear the darkness, but we need to bring light into that darkness so the darkness in people’s lives will be exposed and they can deal with it and repent and get right with their Creator.  Something to think about!  May you have a super day and may the good Lord bless you and yours!!  Don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord!!