How to do battle with the forces of darkness.
by Nathanael Reed
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
— Unknown
“Afraid of the light”? What a puzzling accusation. In fact, it seems rather counterintuitive to think that anyone would actually fear such a life-giving entity. The above quote (attributed erroneously to Plato) of course references more than a fear of physical darkness. Jesus Christ expounded on the same analogy when speaking with the learned Pharisee, Nicodemus, explaining that people are afraid of the light because darkness hides their evil deeds (John 3:19).
Darkness
Although it is evident to every police officer that the darkness of night covers a multitude of sins, Christ is describing a denser, more pervasive darkness, one that has engulfed the world ever since Adam and Eve turned their backs on their Creator. Indeed, today’s media and the entertainment industry bear witness to this growing fascination with darkness, while mocking Christ and Christians.
In his epic poem “Paradise Lost,” John Milton calls Satan the Prince of Darkness — the embodiment of evil. The apostle Paul goes even further, referring to Satan as the very “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan’s ominous presence has provided spiritual darkness with power and a living entity. Within this realm he and his demonic forces exercise an iron grip over a fallen creation and are ever active, seeking to quench any source of spiritual light that might appear within their domain.
Light
Although the future of this darkening planet may seem depressingly bleak, God’s masterplan was already in motion even before He spun the stars into space. In His timing, the ultimate dispeller of darkness would be sent to provide a source of life-giving light to the human race, providing a future filled with hope and promise.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “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).
The light of Jesus makes it possible to realize our present sinful condition before God, reach out to Him for salvation, and access the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit to overcome the world’s darkness.
It is also clear that this heavenly Light is so powerful that every person on earth is capable of being enlightened by it (1:9). Yet even though all can perceive this Light, most are content to continue in their present state. Satan, the father of lies, has blinded them so that they might not see the truth of the gospel message.
Children of light
Not only is Christ the Light of the World, but He also shares this light with His followers, the “children of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). They serve as beacons of His light, who, by their demeanor, words, and actions, make it possible for others to catch a glimpse of the Savior. The closer we walk with Jesus, the stronger and more attractive His light will shine forth, and, in so doing, will draw others to Him (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Simeon’s prophecy in Luke 2:32 reveals another outstanding truth about the light of Christ. Simeon said that Jesus Christ would become a light to the Gentiles, a promise repeated by Paul in Acts 26:23 and fulfilled by millions of Gentiles being drawn to the Light of the World and receiving Christ as Savior.
Scripture issues at least two warnings to those who walk as children of the light. Christ himself warned, “Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you” (John 12:35). Here we are encouraged to make every effort to follow Christ’s leading so that we might grow spiritually. If our faith becomes stagnant, the darkness will close in around us. Although a redeemed person is saved for eternity, moving away from the Light will mean that they will not walk with the Lord and enjoy all of the comforts and joy He provides.
Clearer vision
Light makes vision possible, and a bright light makes our vision clearer. The same is true with our spiritual vision. Peter
explains that we need to add seven qualities to our faith so as not to become so spiritually nearsighted that we are virtually blind: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-9). All of these qualities describe a life fully committed to walking closely with the Good Shepherd and learning from Him.
In addition to these qualities, Paul tells us in Romans 13:12 to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” In Ephesians 6, he reminds us that we do this so we can withstand the schemes of those who rule this present darkness (vv. 10-12). One way to battle these evil forces is to expose their works, making others aware of their vile strategies.
Wearing the full armor of God is critical for success, especially utilizing its most powerful item in the arsenal: prayer. We are to pray “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (v. 18). As children of God, we are not afraid of the light. In these last days, putting on the armor of light has never been more critical. The night is almost over and Day is at hand. For the Christian, Christ’s return will mean we will no longer need the light of a lamp or even the sun, for the Lord God will be our light. And we will reign with Him forever and ever.
