Articles
The Sin of Staying in the Dark
The Great Sin: Staying in the Dark
He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God… And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” John 3:18-19
For God so loved the world that He sent His Son… but men loved darkness rather than light. Think of this sequence in John 3:16-19. Did you ever consider that there is ONLY one thing that stands in the way of our being redeemed for God’s purpose? The ONE sin that prevents our deliverance from ALL sin is this – we refuse to come to the light that God has shined toward us!
Many men and women do not hear the call of Christ, simply because they love where they are. They are content with going after the things they are desire in this life. They are too preoccupied with selfishness, materialism and satisfying their own lusts, and the less light shined on that mess the better. They prefer the darkness because their deeds are evil.
We may say “That’s not me! I have come to Christ. I have been baptized. I go to the right church. I am there every Sunday.” But coming to the light demands that we continue to WALK in the light. We must PURSUE the light of Christ, following as He illuminates our way. This will lead us to new growth, new understanding, to spiritual maturity. It demands change! It demands tackling things that are new to us, things we may not be completely comfortable with.
In your spiritual walk, have you shied away from things that push your comfort level? Do you shrink back from tasks that go against your inclination? Do you avoid situations where new demands on your time or talents are likely? If so, it could be that you love the darkness more than the light. It may be that you are happy with things just the way they are, and don’t really want to be “put out” to take on more service/sacrifice for Christ’s sake, and His body’s sake.
Please don’t misunderstand. I am not saying everyone has to be a Bible class teacher, or a song leader, or a preacher. And no Christian should be badgered and “shamed” by other Christians into grudgingly taking on a task. But for each one of us, we must take the initiative to seek the light! We are commanded to wake up, and let the light [Christ] shine on us! [Eph 5:14]. If we are not led to “grow up” in Christ to the “perfecting of the saints”, to the “work of service”, for the “building up of the body of Christ” [all from Eph. 4], then something is wrong. We are not doing our part. Could it be that in terms of spiritual commitment, we just love staying in the dark? This is the condemnation…
“O Gracious Father, God of all good and just and beautiful and glorious things, in Jesus’ holy name help us to love your light, and to seek it according to your blessed will. May we rest in the promise of your precious Word - that your light EVER shines toward our salvation. Amen.”
Larry Walker, June 2011
- The_Sin_of_Staying_in_the_Dark.doc (29.18 kB)
