We Should Not Stay In Darkness

"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:45

Whenever I need encouragement quickly I turn to the words of Jesus. We know that all of God's Word is useful for teaching and is true, but there is just something about the things that the Lord Himself said. He indeed is the light of the world. The shadiness that is so prevalent is definitely due to a seemingly strategic avoidance of His light. There almost seems to be an undercurrent of effort to dim His light. We shy away from using His Name. We almost believe it is illegal to speak of Him. It is not by the way. We just don't. There is this competition between darkness and light. It is out there in general in the spiritual realm. It is also in the culture and it is the battle within every human being. Darkness cannot eradicate light. By its very nature light is more powerful than darkness. You know the old saying...."If everyone lit just one little candle." His light is the most powerful force and combined with His love it is unstoppable. His light shines in every believer. That is why when we allow darkness in, we feel so uncomfortable. Whenever we see darkness creeping, we long for the light.

Jesus made it clear that He is the light of the world. He also put that light in each of us so we could shine for Him. But, if we never speak of Him or refer to Him or acknowledge Him, that light is thwarted. Too many of us too often utilize the self installed dimmer switch. We just keep Jesus on dim, enough to get by. Barely enough light. We are to be beacons and not flickering solar powered lights that only come on if it starts to get too dark.

Jesus also makes it clear that we should not stay in darkness. We cannot avoid it completely, but we must not linger there. We must be in the light together. Ever notice that our darkest times are alone? Hmmmm. The enemy knows what he is doing. We get isolated, depressed, fearful and distracted. Fill your life with His light. Let Him shine. Speak His Name. Just writing this today has blessed me. Join me in the light and be blessed.

Shine On,
Pastor Fred

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