The Way is Light

1 John 2:10-11 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
 
TO walk in total darkness is nearly impossible, isn’t it? We may think we know where we are in a familiar room or along a road we’ve often traveled. But if there is no light, we will become disoriented. We can trip over objects or even step into a wall. The darkness blinds us to unseen barriers and pitfalls that limit, misdirect or stop our walk.
   That blinding darkness describes life without the gospel. Endless violence and immorality mark the pitfalls of history. Right and wrong become a matter of preference and convenience. We justify our thoughts and actions based on self-pleasure and personal gain. All types of religions, non-religions, political and self-help systems have pronounced, “This is the way to a true life.” But those destination are always a void marked, “Why Are You Here?”
   So then, how do we know Jesus is truly, the way the truth and the life? (John 14:6) Can we trust him to lead us out of the blinding darkness into the light into the true life? We can find the answer in the evidence of the gospel light’s transforming power.
   When people come to faith in Jesus and truly begin to love God and love one another, the conquest of darkness moves from heart to heart across the globe. When the way and truth of Jesus’ love is alive in the Christian’s heart, it will reveal a life that is patient, kind, content, humble, forgiving and serving. This true Jesus love has changed families, communities and even nations. Persecutions have ended when Christians even loved their enemies. Hospitals exist because Christians cared for the sick amid plagues and infectious diseases. Many education systems and universities began when Christians formed schools to educate people to have skills for meaningful labor.
   Look at impoverished nations worldwide, and you’ll note they have long been ruled by corrupt, pagan leaders. A clear difference is between South Korea and North Korea. The North starves in the darkness while the South prospers in the light of some of the world’s largest churches.
   Some of you reading this have seen the power of Jesus’ salvation completely change your life. Your addictions are gone. Your desires for evil have disappeared. No darkness blinds you because the Lord has brightened the eyes of your heart to enjoy the fruit of his Spirit. Your marriages are strong while many dissolve. Your children who worship Jesus have purpose and a self-assurance found in the love God has lavished on them.
   No, we Christians are not perfect. Walking in Jesus’ way requires true humility and perseverance to live a Spirit-driven faith. But Christ is perfect. He has revealed the true way toward himself, so we can know what is false and what is true. Jesus is the Light. He has shown us the way. If we pay attention, we’ll know the truth.