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Though it may feel like we are surrounded by darkness, God remains with us and will bring us to salvation if we walk with Him. Allow the lights of God’s truths to shine forth in your life, and you will lead others to Christ, the Light of the world.

The Mine

Some time ago, my wife and I toured an old gold mine in country Victoria. We were told that the amount of gold taken from there was so significant that the town prospered, and the people’s lifestyle improved.

The mine was dug into the side of a hill; access to the gold reef was via a series of interlocking horizontal shafts. These were lit by candles attached to the wall at regular intervals.

We were taken deep into the mine before returning to the entrance and into the light of day again. It being the last tour of the day, I mused on how those candles could be blown out. I imagined two ways this could be done: one was wise and the other foolish.

When I asked the guide about this, he told us of a group of young schoolgirls that were on the last tour of the day. The girls asked if they could blow the candles out, so he said yes.

Unfortunately, the girls in their enthusiasm chose the unwise method. Beginning with the candles near the entrance, they ran further into the tunnel, blowing out all the candles as they went.

You can see what happened next. Suddenly, the last lights were extinguished, and the girls shrieked as they realised their predicament. They were now in complete darkness, hopelessly lost, unable to find their way back.

The guide gave them a little more time with their panic, then quietly but confidently felt his way towards them. Their cries continued, unaware that he was nearing them. Finally, reaching their position, he waited for a silent moment between their squeals, then he spoke up, “Do you need any help?”

At the sound of his voice, they yelled even more loudly until he switched his torch on. Relieved by his presence, they were happy to follow him back along the tunnel till safely outside again. Hopefully, they learned an important life lesson that day.

The Metaphor

The candles in the mine are a metaphor for the illuminating light of God’s truths. These are revealed by God in His Word [the Bible]. They reveal reality as God sees it! Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (NKJV)

Whenever one of these truths is rejected by individuals or society, a God-given light is extinguished. We gradually allow spiritual darkness to permeate our individual and corporate lives.

The Lights

As individuals, we encounter spiritual darkness every time we disobey or are unaware of God-given life truths and principles. Ignoring these will result in devastating results in our lives. Some of these truths include:

The light of Christ: Your relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important light you need to have. He said, “Whoever believes Me, believes not just in Me but in the One who sent Me. Whoever looks at Me is looking, in fact, at the One who sent Me. I am Light that has come into the world so that all who believe in Me won’t have to stay any longer in the dark.” (John 12:45, 46 MSG)

The light of forgiveness: The Bible says, “if we confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and do what is right: He will forgive us our sins and purify us from our wrongdoing.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

God wants us to both give and receive forgiveness. As we receive God’s forgiveness, we can be a channel of His forgiveness towards others who have wronged us. Don’t forget to forgive yourself too.

The light of integrity: The Bible says, “Let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity.” (Job 31:6 NKJV)

God wants us to be real. Honesty is the best policy in every area of our lives. Your reputation will rise or fall according to your honesty or lack of it. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1 NKJV)

A person of integrity is one who doesn’t have a hidden agenda. A dishonest person will eventually be found out and will not be trusted by others. “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.” (Proverbs 10:9 NKJV)

The light of honour: The Bible says, “Honour (respect, obey, care for) your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged in the land the Lord your God gives you.” (Exodus 20:12 AMP) “Honour all people.” (1 Peter 2:17 NKJV)

Honour begins with our parents. Not everyone has had good parents; nevertheless, God has attached a promise to this commandment. Speak well of them, and if this is not possible, remain silent out of respect for them.

Honour is to be the way we should relate to all people. It is the way of respecting others, valuing who they are. The way you treat others will be the way you will be treated. “Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38 NKJV)

Conclusion

God wants you to prosper in every area of your life. The world is looking for answers to this present darkness. Choose to let God reignite His lights in your life, not only for your own sake but for the sake of the world in which we live. Be a part of dispelling the darkness of this world. Let Jesus’ light shine out of you every day.

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Photo by Hassan Ouajbir.