As daylight grows shorter by the hour, we find ourselves using our lamps more. I’m reminded of Jesus’ parable about the ten virgins, five prepared with enough light to see them through the night and five without. Our days are growing shorter, not only physically but spiritually as well. Jesus promises to provide enough light to see us through to the end. Our choice is to either use His light or allow it to become dim by our sin and wrongdoing.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Masks that dim the light
Many people find it hard to sleep when it isn’t totally dark. That’s why motels, inns, and B&Bs in the far north provide black masks for their guests. On the bedside table of a cabin where my family and I stayed while in Homer, Alaska, we found such masks next to our beds. Our hosts wanted us to be comfortable during the summer’s 20 hours of daylight.
Black masks, or what my children called blinders, are effective enough to shut out all light, allowing tourists in particular—those not used to such long hours of light—to get a good night’s sleep. Conversely, blinders and masks can prevent us from seeing things that might bring us happiness, such as a spectacular sunrise. Or things that might keep us safe from danger.
In the spiritual context, there are many who prefer to wear blinders in order to avoid the light and truth of God's love. "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Corinthians 4:4)
The Bible tells us that Satan holds power over the activity of the world. Those who refuse to believe in and submit to Christ as Lord and Savior of the universe remain under Satan's power. He blinds them to the truth of the Gospel. They become so used to the sin in their lives that they'd rather keep the blinders on, even though God's love is evident and surrounds them. It becomes easy and comfortable for them to remain in the dark.
None of us like our shortcomings to be exposed, sometimes even to ourselves. However, once we decide to ask Christ to remove our spiritual blinders, He will reveal to us how much more fulfilling our lives can become when we live in His light. Like the blind man whom Jesus healed, we then can say, "One thing I know, I once was blind but now I see."
Lord, forgive us when we've let the blinders of our own ignorance and stubbornness keep us from seeing You in the light of Your radiant glory and love. Give us the strength and will to avoid the dark temptations of this world. May Your light shine through us as we bring love and healing to those we meet. In Jesus' name, amen.
Commentaires