“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 NIV).
Jesus was mentioned many times in the Bible as being the Light. In Isaiah a prophecy concerning Jesus was, “….the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2 NIV). Needless to say that Jesus’ nemesis, Satan, is associated many times in the Bible with darkness. John speaks about Satan and his angels and darkness, “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home-these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day (Jude 6 NIV).
Paul speaks to Christians about the walk they had before they saw the light. “For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness…” (Ephesians 5:8-11 NIV).
If you have ever been in a cave and they turned out the lights, you know how darkness can feel. It is scary. We should think about that cave every time we have a desire to turn to ways that do not please the Lord. Where would you rather be? In a dark scary cave all alone with your desires that aren’t holy or standing on the mountaintop in the light praising God. Through the Holy Spirit you can conquer the darkness that can creep into your heart. Pray and ask God to help you be strong and walk in His ways. Read the Bible so that verses can come to your mind that will help you remain faithful. Remember that Jesus is the light of the world and will lift you out of that cave every time you call for help.
So the next time you are tempted to approach that cave, ask the Lord to lead you back to His light. Remember this verse: “So since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1 Thes.5:8 NIV).
Dear Lord,
There are many times in life when we are tempted to give in to the ways of darkness that we walked in before we were Christians. Help us out of the darkness to see your light. Help us to be self-disciplined so that the darkness doesn’t entice us. Help us to be in constant communication with you. Let the Bible be our guide as we try to live a life pleasing to you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
