Afraid of The Light?

Plato once said, "It is easy to forgive a small child afraid of the dark, but not a full-grown man afraid of the light." Since long before Plato light has symbolized truth--facing the reality of our situation in relation to God, to others, and to self.

Why are people afraid of the light?

Some love evil and hate goodness. Some fear they are being deceived. Some know learning the truth will make great demands on their time, money, and energy. Some just hate change.

Despite all these fears, people still come into the light because of what they fear even more: the darkness. Darkness makes us stumble, fall, and get hurt. It fills us with confusion and brings us despair. Even a little light is better than a deep and profound darkness. I know what I'm talking about. I've been in the middle of a large office building when the power went out. The first emotion that hit my brain was the panic of helplessness.

If you are a Christian, you can say with the psalmist, "The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps. 27:1)

Love and seek the truth, about God, about others, and about yourself. If we appreciate the light, we won't be afraid of it. Just like it dispels the shadows, it quickly chases away all of our fears.

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

The Road Not Taken

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 24,... Read More

7 Keys for Joyful Living!

Here are some thoughts for finding and experiencing joy in... Read More

My Lost Immortality

Oh my God, I'm not immortal anymore! What happened? Where's... Read More

What Does Faith Have To Do With Marketing?

No, this isn't going to be a sermon or anything... Read More

Blessings and Art of Living

My perception is that universe infinitely blesses us every moment.... Read More

A New Strategy

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 3,... Read More

Future Prediction

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 13,... Read More

What Footsie Taught Us!

We have just inherited a rag, tag and bobtail of... Read More

Why Be Great?

Have you ever thought of what it would take to... Read More

The Theft of Fire

"Igne Natura Renovatur Integra" (By fire is nature renewed whole.)... Read More

Bus Driver By Day, Online Business Success By Night

Janine Wachowski, a long-time resident of South Elgin, Illinois, drives... Read More

My Journey

I believe it's important for you to develop a mission... Read More

Overcoming Addiction

Dear Candace,I am having trouble letting go of an over... Read More

Maintaining Honesty and Integrity

(Excerpted From Cultivating An Unshakable Character)For a leader, honesty and... Read More

Number that Decides Your Success

God has created human beings to live successfully. He has... Read More

Good-Bye Yesterday, Hello Today

Many of us are unable to move forward with our... Read More

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Whoever coined this phrase is a genius. Life finds ways... Read More

Get Your Guidance and Get to Know Your True Self

Many people feel they have everything they need in life,... Read More

Each Moment Is To Be Treasured

Let us grasp and treasure each precious moment of our... Read More

Does Introspection Assist in Self Progression?

Why would we need to examine our lives? What benefit... Read More

How To Be a Champion in Your Life

Are you left with inspiration but no action after hearing,... Read More

Selfish Beings

Trouble, trouble, trouble. Nothing but trouble. The night before, I... Read More

Taking the Leap of Faith

So often we stop and look at our lives and... Read More

My Passion, My Life

Every morning I excitedly get out of bed. Just a... Read More

Even the Smallest Sound

You are probably in front of your computer screen at... Read More

Launch Yourself Into Living

Memorial Day weekend, 2004, found my wife and I along... Read More

Lewis And Clark Pay Attention

As I write this Southern California has just ended its... Read More

Attitude Adjustment

"If you are pained by external things, it is not... Read More

Everyone Has Been Hurt...Part 2

continued.....Then onto my teen years. My mom had a few... Read More

Its Not My Job to Free Tibet

I hate saying that. It feels so very wrong. It's... Read More

Have a Green Day, Every Day!

Green symbolises growth. Growth requires change and transformation. This article... Read More

Following Through

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 24,... Read More

Circles On The Water ? The Impact You Make On People?s Lives

When you were a child, or maybe even when you... Read More