LIGHT—the first thing
LIGHT, was the first thing created as something necessary for life, and among the first words spoken by God that were written in Scripture! “Let there be LIGHT!” It is necessary for LIFE!
Beyond the physical element, LIGHT stands for spiritual illumination, insight and truth; it is the capacity to gain accurate and deep intuitive understanding.
LIGHT suggests the idea that God is open and honest- that He reveals truth. We should too—for as He is, so should we be…LIGHT is a symbol used to mean knowledge, understanding, and awareness. Light is bright and very unmistakable.
LIGHT signifies God's presence and favor. LIGHT exposes that which is hidden in darkness; it shows things as they really are. To walk in the LIGHT means to know God, and to understand HIS truth!
The entrance of his WORD—gives “LIGHT”…it gives understanding to the simple!
“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” Note that we are not told that God is “a” light, but that He “is”… LIGHT!!!
God is LIGHT, and so is His Son!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.
TO “WALK” IS TO MAKE PROGRESS
LIGHT, however, has to be developed. The more Word—the more LIGHT! (the capacity to gain accurate and deep intuitive understanding)
In the biblical story of the “unprofitable” servant—the servant was sent to Hell!—not because of drugs, alcohol, adultery, nor homosexuality (not condoning any of these)—but for being “unprofitable.”
He did not find pleasure in the service of God, but continue to pursue its routine as a matter of habit or a hard obligation.
There are great perils in our consciousness that many believe that they have done well, and that they are serving God with all their might; for they may come to think that they are a deserving person, worthy to rank among the Kings. If we serve out of an effort to earn our way into the kingdom of God, we're deceiving ourselves. The motivation for Christian service is love for God. We serve not to earn salvation, but because Christ already has purchased salvation for us. That truth lies behind the verse in this great hymn, "Rock of Ages," that says,
"Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling."
The danger of being puffed up can hardly be overestimated: a dizzy head soon brings a fall. Equally to be dreaded on the other side, is that sense of unworthiness which paralyzes all exertion, making one feel that they are incapable of anything that is great or good. Under this impulse many have fled from the service of God; as if it were possible to do the Lord’s perfect will, by doing nothing at all, and to discharge the duties to which they were born by an unnatural mode of existence.
Blessed is that person who finds the strait and narrow way between high thoughts of self, and hard thoughts of God, between self-esteem and a timid shrinking from all effort.
When Jesus called him unprofitable, He did not mean that his service was of absolutely, no value. Rather, He meant that his service was not beneficial or useful. Jesus frequently called His disciples to be “productive.”
Our God Does Not Create in Darkness!
Jesus needs us to have a transformative effect on the world. We are to be LIGHT, to the whole world, and to authenticate “the“ light—which is HIS light!!
A church that is willing to come away from the darkness of this world, and be willing to operate in ‘His’ Principles—is what God calls a “Profitable” church!
God is light and in him is no darkness—at all!! Light is uncomfortable to those accustomed to the dark! (Jn.3:20).
Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is the “true light” (John 1:9).
As children of God, we are to reflect His light into a world darkened by sin. No apologies!