The Blessing of Light

Posted by on April 14, 2002 under Bulletin Articles

Recently as we went to bed, we opened the bedroom window “a crack” to enjoy the cool, fresh air of early spring. The next morning before our alarm clock sounded, it was daylight. As morning light arrived, the birds held a choral convention in my yard. The sky was clear and blue. The sun filled the new day with its soft early light. It sounded and felt like spring! The sunlight intensified the meaning and feeling of life!

I am delighted “light” is the symbol of the highest good people know. God is light (1 John 1:5). He is pure light, light completely free from any influence of darkness. I am delighted there is no conflict between loving God and loving light. Years ago I was in a graduate Bible class studying Matthew 5:14. My teacher reminded everyone that light is manifested in many forms. Some of those forms are not helpful. People often use light in threatening or hurtful forms.

Concentrated light misused blinds temporarily or permanently. Bright headlights are wonderful on the road at night. When flashed in our eyes at night, they temporarily blind us. Sunshine blesses us in more ways than most of us can count. Staring directly into the sun can blind us permanently.

I walk several times a week. The winter months are the greatest challenge to my walking. No, it is not the cold or the wind that makes my winter walking a challenge. It is the darkness. Street lights are truly helpful, but nothing can compete with sunshine! Sunshine brings a unique, special feeling to my life. I never take it for granted!

God, the eternal light Who is free from all evil influence, sent Jesus to be light of the world (John 8:12). Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” The man or woman willing to be Jesus’ disciple becomes a light who sees how to live. The source of his or her light is Jesus. A Christian is a light only when he or she reflects Jesus.

Let your light reveal God’s goodness. Never reflect Jesus in an attempt to blind others. Always reflect him in ways that help others see. When they see, they will understand God’s works are good. They will understand God is the source of your good works. They will see God is responsible for the good that exists in you.

They, too, will learn to love the light because they understand the wondrous benefit of seeing. Reflect light so that people may find life in Jesus and good in God.