When I was eight or nine years old, my family arrived home from church one Sunday evening well after dark. The church we attended was in Flint, Michigan, about 30 minutes away from our home in Durand. Having sat through church and the drive home, the need to visit the bathroom was at an extremely high level. As soon as my dad stopped the car in our driveway, I jumped out and sprinted to the front door. I went inside, kicked off my shoes, and headed directly toward the place of relief that I needed so badly. In my haste, I didn’t bother turning on lights. This proved to create a troublesome consequence. As I stepped into the pitch-black bathroom, my stockinged foot landed on something soft and squishy. I took care of the needed activity and then turned on the light to see what I had stepped on. Lying next to the stool gasping for his last breath was a mouse. As a little kid, knowing I had stepped on a live mouse freaked me out. It was then and there that I pledged never to walk into a room again without first turning on the light.
Darkness has strange effects on people. Some fear it. This is a natural response since Scripture often equates darkness with sin and evil. Another truth about darkness is its inability to survive in the presence of light. Darkness is always dispelled by light. However, you can never extinguish light by simply adding darkness.
We live in a very spiritually dark time in our world. People seem to be resisting the safety of the light of good and desire to live in the darkness of evil. As men who are pursuing to be godly as we lead our families or influence others, it is our job to counteract this trend. We must take the lead in bringing the hope of light into our homes, places of work, and friendships. This is only possible when we commit to adding the light of Christ to every responsibility and relationship we have.
To do this, we need to remember that darkness is always dispelled by light. We can be the source of this light in our places of influence through some practical choices. The most effective means of bringing light into the discouragement of darkness is to focus on doing good in every situation. We are reminded of the importance of this opportunity in 1 Peter 3:13-16, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
It is easy to fall into the trap of darkness. It can be that negative response on social media, or simply agreeing with the coworker who is spouting dissatisfaction with life. We can perpetuate darkness by failing to offer hope to those feeling hopeless.
But spreading light can by a lifestyle decision that refuses to get pulled into the pit of darkness this world is perpetuating. To be effective, we must focus on our source of LIGHT, the truth of the Good News of Jesus. In Christ there is no darkness. Jesus commanded us to this kind of lifestyle. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. How can you be a light source for those around you this week?