Out of Darkness

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.
--John 8:12



What exactly did Jesus mean when He said this?  Was He simply commenting on salvation, the belief that if we believe in Him and say a prayer just right or do the right actions and rituals what we might gain eternal life when we die, or was He perhaps expressing a concept that was even more profound, that we could have enlightenment and understanding in the dark world that we currently call home. After many years of being a follower of Christ, I like to think that He meant that we could illuminate our own path by studying His teachings and example as well as gain eternal life after our earthly bodies die. 

What exactly does enlightened or illuminated Christian life mean?  Well, the foundations of Christ's teachings were love, compassion, humility, peacemaking and mercy as evidenced throughout scripture and in the section known of as The Beatitudes found in the book of Matthew, Chapter 5:

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

So why exactly do we have so much trouble with this? Christians worldwide are known for their bigotry, hate and intolerance. We must return to the foundations of what Christ taught. Love, mercy, compassion towards our fellow man. When we extend these things, the true vision of Christ will be lifted up. We will then be walking in the light that He mentions in this verse.

Lord, help us to walk in Your light, loving others, showing mercy and compassion and forgiving our fellow man and ourselves. So be it