There is a reason that people fear coming into the light. The answer to darkness is to find a light source and become a light carrier. In this world Jesus and God’s Word is our only source of light. Yet, many “Christians” want to spend time discussing the darkness they see in others instead of becoming a greater source of light.
If you would become a greater source of light, you empower those around you to see the truth that is in them. If you become a greater source of light then people will naturally become attracted to you because you help them to see.
The reason that people want to spend their time discussing the darkness in other people and condemning others instead of coming into the light is simple. “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. ” (John 3:20, NIV84) John understood why people spent time talking bad about others. “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. ” (1 John 3:12, NIV84) Therefore, if we say we are Christians, but we are focused on tearing down other believers, we are showing that truly our hearts are full of darkness. We become murderers in our hearts.
Some people who say they are Christians find it easy to hid behind religious forms, words and traditions. There is a story in Acts 5 of some people who were in the church, but they themselves did not come into the light. They lied to the Holy Spirit and wanted others to commend their spirituality. They wanted to be seen as leaders and examples in the church, but they refused the Holiness and purity of God. Eventually, those who refuse to repent will be dealt with publically by the Lord.
Do you want darkness to flee? Then come into the light. Let the light of God search you. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ” (Psalm 119:105, NIV84) Before you condemn and murder your brother in Christ, let the light of God fully search your heart. Jesus said, ” “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7, NIV84)
What will the light say about us? Those who come into the light will see their need for a Savior. They will see that without Jesus, their sin consumes them.
I try daily to come into the light. But I remember when I first came into the light and gave my heart to the Lord. There was still darkness that ruled parts of my life. I was angry. I lied when it was convenient. I gossiped and talked about others. I was arrogant and confident in myself. Ungodly words crossed my lips at times. I was selfish and did not want to share. I envied the lives of others.
Even as a Christian for many years, I faced woundedness from other people who tried to hurt me. I faced the darkness of unforgiveness and bitterness in my life. I faced the darkness of distrust and a lack of love.
This is light. The more we come into the light of God’s presence, the more God searches our inward being. The more we seek God, the more we realize our desperate need for Jesus. The more we come to God, the more we walk in humility knowing that is only by grace and love that we still live. The more we come into the light, the more we will seek to help and love our brothers.
Before you talk poorly about someone else – consider what the light says about the darkness that has held us captive.
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. ” (Romans 1:29–31, NIV84)
“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ” (Colossians 3:8–9, NIV84)
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. ” (Galatians 5:19–21, NIV84)
If you see a brother or a sister who says they are Christian, and you see darkness that has a hold on them, then go in a spirit of love privately to that person. DO NOT condemn them to other people and so become a murderer in your heart. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ” (Galatians 6:1–2, NIV84)
How do you know that you are a child of the light? Here is the test….
“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. ” (1 John 3:10, NIV84) And, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. ” (1 John 3:14, NIV84)
Love is the great test of life and light. If you are willing to lay your life down for the brother that is trapped in sin, then that love will become life and light to free the brother from darkness. And if you find that there is not that depth of love, then first you go and spend time in the light of God and you will become light and love for the world.
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