"Lights Out"

For many children of households who lost power recently, the extended outage (perhaps still going) was an eye-opening experience. Suddenly screen time was VERY limited! The annoying habit of opening the refrigerator door for minutes deciding what to eat was quickly banned. Candle safety was constantly reviewed. And for young and old alike,  a frustrating yet amusing habit still existed: turning on light switches!  Of course, nothing would happen as a result, but our muscle memory simply did not want to surrender this conditioned process despite only walking in darkness.

It is amazing how some simple raindrops and some slightly colder temperatures brought our comfortable lifestyles to a sudden crisis. What a helpful reminder of how little we are in control and how small we are and how big God is. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Unlike power grids that are dependent upon constant development, maintenance, and repair, the power of Christ has always existed and will never burn out. It does not turn off and on but is a consistent presence available to everyone.

The apostle John warns the “people [who] loved the darkness rather than the light” (John 3:19).  In the context of our recent power outages, that statement seems ludicrous. It only takes a defrosted freezer, gas shortage, creative toilet flushing, and/or freezing cold bedsheets to convince anyone that the light is much preferred to the darkness. As committed disciples of Jesus Christ, may we apply this illustration to the integration of our faith in all areas of our lives. When we, or our children are tempted to love the darkness over the light, let us pray and embrace the value of life in the light of Jesus Christ.