Why Live in the Dark?

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

Few of us, particularly city dwellers, have experienced complete darkness. Streetlights constantly light our home at night, and the iridescent light reflecting off fresh snow gives the darkness a warm glow. In younger years, I dabbled in photography and needed a dark room—completely dark—for some procedures. But to be in complete darkness not of our own making can be frightening.

However, the lack of sight, from darkness or blindness, is less frightening than the spiritual darkness of guilt, and the closer we approach God, the more His penetrating light reveals our sinfulness. Martin Luther lived much of his life aware of his sin and in terror of God. He knew what it meant to live in the land of the shadow of death.

That same terror binds people in religions or beliefs that seek to balance or erase guilt by appeasing an angry God. They live in the perpetual darkness of fear of death because they have no assurance that God will accept them. Age has the effect of increasing fear of death, as sins of the past gain notoriety and haunt us.

That great light has dawned on all who fear God’s wrath. Instead of a dark, fearful existence, I can live daily in the light of God’s grace. It is the assurance of God’s forgiveness, guaranteed by Christ’s sacrifice for my sin that gives life hope and meaning.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Psalm 23:4.

Why would anyone want to live without that light?

How to Avoid the Gospel

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 2 Timothy 2:14.

I’ve always thought words are important. Without words and the meanings we associate with them, communication would be non-existent. In fact, many arguments can be resolved by agreeing on the definitions of words both sides are using, without which both could be arguing on the same side!

Now, legitimate research into the meaning of words is necessary to ensure correct understanding and use, particularly in the Bible’s original languages. In the next verse, Paul encourages Timothy to “correctly handle the word of truth,” for which clarity of meaning of the text becomes critical.

So why is Paul concerned over quarreling about words? In simple terms, the search becomes more important than the answers. Maintaining the search assures the absence of any definitive answer; a diversionary tactic to avoid direct application of truth to our lives. Whether it’s arguing over words, or circling the gospel, the intent is the same: avoid the underlying truth.

Although the Bible addresses a variety of issues, its enduring value is the revelation of God’s glorious character and the opposite reality about ourselves. We lose the awareness of our sin if the proclamation becomes a discussion about everything but its personal message to us. Until we see ourselves clearly, the death of Christ can have no impact on our lives.

Who’s Telling the Truth?

We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 2 Corinthians 6:12.

Sounds very much like a “he said,” “she said” scenario. Who’s to say who is holding affection from whom? It’s Paul’s word against theirs. From Paul’s letters of strong censure to the Corinthians, they could argue his lack of affection for them. Paul, on the other hand, could argue it is tough love!

But winning an argument is not necessarily evidence of its truth. Deception, bullying, or just rhetorical outmanoeuvring can win an argument. We’ve all probably experienced, or even used, similar techniques. Considering these problems in assessing truth, who can know it? With powerful arguments ranged against our faith, how can we know that’s true?

Unfortunately, there is no final empirical proof of the truth of Christianity or the Bible. For most Christians, there is overwhelming circumstantial evidence for our beliefs, but in the end, our belief in God and the message of the Bible is by faith! Paul wanted the Corinthians to have faith in his love for them, as we claim our faith as truth.

The measure of a valid faith is it’s grounding in the certainty of a future hope. If there’s one constant in life, it is the desire for the happy ending. Tragedy leaves us in despair. From fairy tales and romance novels to the real circumstances of life, the human heart searches for perfect justice and security as the final environment for joy.

The Bible has such impact because it confirms our innermost sense that life does have meaning and direction, fulfilled in the God who created us, and who has prepared a place for us with Himself.  It is that certain hope for our future that confirms our belief in the present.

Hope is the destination; faith is the journey.

Order or Spontaneity

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4.

Ann is away this week, and I am thankful for a break, and a week to attempt to live an orderly life and get some work done my way. Take sleeping for example. I slip into a well-made bed at night, and slide out carefully in the morning. Smooth out a few wrinkles, and presto! The bed’s made!

Ann, on the other hand, explodes out of bed in the morning, leaving a trail of bedding disaster, together with pillows, socks and heating pads, buried among the rubble. The bed needs a remake from the ground up to ensure some comfort for the next night’s sleep.

So now, as I go about my daily routine, I’m thankful to find everything as and where I left it, furniture still arranged for my schedule, and no cleaning frenzy to dislodge stuff I’m working on. Everything set for an easy, sedate, organised, quiet routine. At last, the comfortable rut I’ve been seeking my whole life!

But. . .

It’s also dull, tedious, monotonous, and boring! The light of life has become a glimmer, and I feel only half alive. I miss the quiet efficiency and hustle that Ann displays for household chores, cleaning, cooking, gardening, shopping, studying and even visiting the needy—a calm competence that seems to belie her natural spontaneity.

I recall several years ago, an unprovoked and unexpected sense of Ann as a stranger in my home. It lasted for about a week. It suddenly seemed out of place for this beautiful, vivacious, outgoing woman to stay with this hermetically inclined procrastinating old hermit. I saw Ann and myself with new eyes.

Ann, I am continually thankful to God for you. You are a gift of God’s grace and love to me, and I love you just the way you are. Hurry home and mess up my life again. I miss you!