Good and evil exist. When I read this passage I picture having a little angel on one shoulder and a little devil on the other, both encouraging me to act. Some people would call that my conscience. I prefer to think of it as God’s light inside me dispelling the darkness. When we are living in the light, we are less apt to let the darkness direct our decisions.
Yet, we all sin. So there are times when the darkness does win. But this text reminds us we have a choice. We can be careful and not be fooled. We can choose whether or not to participate in activities our “little angel” tells us we shouldn’t. We should also “expose” those activities that are not pleasing to God.
So what does that mean exactly?
Can you remember when you were a child and you were doing something your mom had told you not to? If you were the perfect child, then congratulations, I was not. I would test the limit. I don’t know why. But I did know that when I did something “naughty” I didn’t want anybody to see. I got very good at not getting “caught.” However, mom seemed to have eyes everywhere, so it wasn’t long before my naughtiness was exposed. The light has a way of doing that, too.
When we are living lives that are pleasing to God, we are shining brightly. When we get close to others who are not living as we are, our light spills over onto them and it becomes evident they are being “naughty.” Their darkness is exposed. Whether they acknowledge their sinfulness or not is between them and God. But we made an attempt for the light to prevail.
Are there areas of your life that you are still hiding? Do you think you can hide from God?
Are you letting the light inside you to shine for all to see?
Maybe you’re feeling stuck in the darkness. You are lost in a tunnel. Look to the light.
Let’s pray. Lord, sometimes I feel like I’m surrounded by darkness. It is a scary place to be. I know you are with me, and yet I have a hard time knowing which way to turn. Help me to remember that you are living inside me. Your light is always glowing. I want to fan the flame and be on fire for you. I want to overflow with light so that others around me who are lost in darkness can see the way out. Thank you for the hope you give me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
