During renovation work at my house, I discovered lighting is one of the most important aspects that can often be overlooked. Lighting plays with perceptions and creates a unique viewing experience. A floor tile will appear differently under white light compared to yellow light, and it can look significantly different in natural sunlight. Similarly, a lamp’s diverse light tones, when placed at various angles and heights, can make a huge difference to any space. The following scripture came to mind.
“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good.” Genesis 1:3-4
It is no wonder that God, who is Light, chose to first bring light into a world draped with darkness on the face of the deep. God commanded light in the very same space that we now occupy, and this light is good or pleasing to Him. Darkness (evil) is thus exposed in the presence of light (good). Light is life and none of us can bear to stay in a pitch-black room for long without losing track of time, experiencing sensory distortion and unwanted physiological effects associated with the absence of light (life)
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
When we encounter the light of Christ’s Gospel, we become conscious of the darkness within ourselves. This realization marks the start of a lifelong journey to know Jesus, to give Him room in our lives to shine brightly and dispel every darkness from us. The lamp in our hearts needs to be ‘switched on’ continuously to shine this good light. Given that the light of Christ is bright, true and pure i.e., no mixture of any sort, it is important to watch what we see and how we perceive with our eyes.
“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore, take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” Luke 11:33-36
Jesus cautions us to keep our spiritual sight and perception free of all deceit, lies and carnal opinions. We must develop the discipline to see and perceive rightly as He does by presenting ourselves to God daily and allowing Him to cleanse and sanctify us. This necessitates us to focus on Christ, to see more of Him and less of ourselves. Gradually we will identify less and less with this world and our spiritual lens or filter becomes more effective to help us discern light and darkness. We will also be able to recognize any prejudices or tainted views we may have towards others. Furthermore, when we keep our spiritual lens clean, it is akin to regularly wiping dirt or smudges off glasses and any blind spots can be uncovered quickly.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-14
Apostle Paul also warns of false ministers of darkness who can masquerade as minsters of Christ because of Satan’s manipulation of light. This angel of light is counterfeit to Christ, turning what is ‘white to black’ and ‘black to white’. In an era of rapid information flow and fast-paced living, we can easily be overwhelmed by many distractions and fall prey to deception. We need to discern and not allow deceptive light to enter our lives, defile us and cause us to be a stumbling block to others. As Jesus reflects the light and glory of His Father, let us also seek to be reflectors of the same light and glory of Christ in the growing darkness of the world.
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.’” John 8:12
