Don't Fear Darkness

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. 

And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. (John 3:16-21)

According to John, people prefer darkness to light because their works are evil and must be hidden.  It’s true that the cover of darkness is convenient, but many people do their evil deeds in pure daylight.   Arrogance and a sense of invincibility prompt men and women not to rely on the dark.  They can look us in the eyes and cheat, lie, or betray.   We must watch for them and treat them with care for wickedness is dark even in the presence of light.

However, most of us are truthful in most things, and we don’t fear the dark or let the darkness of other people overwhelm us.  In fact, we often walk in the dark with ever-present God, day or night. 

We also pray for those in darkness and those who are ruled by darkness with hope that light will shine upon them and the truth will set them free: Don't fear the dark side.  Face it; deal with it; overcome it.

Deacon David Pierce