Dark and Light

            When you look out at the world, what do you see?

            Some see nothing but trouble and pain.  They point to things like poverty, crime, problems with drugs and alcohol and marriage break-ups and say that the world is full of sadness and sorrow.  Watch the news for even a half hour and you will get the idea that the world is a dark place.

            Others see nothing but good.  They appreciate generous people in their community.  They think about their friends and neighbours and smile.  They marvel at the beauty of sunrises and stars at night.  To them, the world is a bright and wonderful place.

            You may be surprised that the Bible supports both of these world views.  On one hand it says things like, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).  On the other hand, it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” (John 3:16).

            So which is it?  Is the world around us a bad and horrible place, or is it a place of beauty and joy?

            The answer, of course, is “both!”  Focusing on one extreme or the other will bring you to the wrong conclusion.

            If we say that there is no “darkness”, then we pretend that there is nothing to worry about and that everyone is safe.  However, scripture teaches that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and that sin separates us from God (Ephesians 2:1).  We have to face that reality.

            On the other hand, if we say there is no “light”, then give up because there is no hope.  That can’t be right, though, because the entire message of the gospel is centred on the hope of new beginnings.  As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  That is hopeful!

            Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 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).

            Our job, then, is to recognize the darkness and shine the light.