“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
This world is very dark. A quick check of the headlines or a brief survey of human history for the past century makes that abundantly clear. However, there is light available! That light is Jesus – His person, His presence, His commands, His example, His teachings. He is the light of the world. That much is very clear, as He transforms anything and anyone He touches.
However, people aren’t automatically in the light just because they have a Jesus bumper sticker on their car or carry a Bible with them to church every week. Jesus says a person must genuinely follow Him to have the light of life. Those who are truly raised to new life in the light of Jesus are marked by a life of genuine obedience to Jesus. Those who walk in the light genuinely follow His commands. Genuinely follow His example. Genuinely follow His teachings. Genuinely abide in His presence.
Are you? Do you care about who and what Jesus cares about? Are you concerned about mercy, justice, and your own personal righteousness? Are you concerned for the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable? Do you care about those far from God? Do your everyday thoughts, words, and actions increasingly reflect the character of Jesus? His tone? His words? His heart?
Do you read the Bible often and let it point out areas where you fall short? Do you then repent, ask God’s forgiveness, and ask God to help you better follow Jesus? If so, that’s a good indicator that you’re walking in the light. However, if the Scriptures never point out any need for you to change and the Holy Spirit never convicts of you of ways you fall short of Jesus, that’s a serious warning sign that you may actually be walking in darkness! #FollowJesus