Understanding What It Means to Walk in the Light
Light and darkness—these are ideas we all understand. We know that light helps us see, and darkness makes us stumble. But in the Bible, these words have even deeper meaning. Jesus calls himself “the light of the world” (John 8:12), promising that those who follow him will never walk in darkness but will have “the light of life.” What does that mean for us in everyday life?
Let’s break it down.
Jesus spoke these words at a time of celebration, during a Jewish festival. Think about a town square lit up at night, everyone gathering together. In that moment, Jesus stood up and basically said, “I am the true light. If you follow me, you’ll never have to grope around in the dark.” He wasn’t talking about turning on a lamp or switching on a flashlight—he was talking about our hearts, our understanding, and how we see the world.
In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus uses the eye as a symbol: “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” He’s not just talking about seeing with our physical eyes. He’s talking about spiritual sight—how we choose to focus and what we let guide us inside. When our focus is clear and good, our whole being is filled with light and hope. But if we let negative things like selfishness or hopelessness shape our view, it’s like living in darkness.
I can relate to this personally. Years ago, I had trouble with my own eyesight—a condition called optic nerve neuropathy. It made me think a lot about both physical and spiritual vision. Just as we need healthy eyes to see the world around us, we need healthy spiritual “eyes” to see life as God wants us to.
The Bible often uses light as a picture of goodness, truth, and God’s presence. Darkness, on the other hand, stands for confusion, fear, or being lost. Jesus came to bring light—to help us truly see what’s good, what matters, and what God is like. But sometimes, we choose not to see. We stay in the dark, maybe because we’re afraid, stubborn, or simply don’t know there’s another way.
2 Corinthians 4:4 talks about how “the god of this age” (meaning the things that distract or blind us in this world) can keep us from seeing the light of Jesus. It’s like wearing blindfolds—we miss out on the fullness of life God wants for us. But the good news? That light is available to anyone who wants it.
Long before Jesus, the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). This was a promise that things would change, that hope would break through.
Today, we have a role to play, too. Matthew 5:16 encourages us: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” In other words, when we live with kindness, honesty, and love, we’re like candles in a dark room. Our lives can help others see who God is.
So, here’s the bottom line: Light and darkness aren’t just about what we see with our eyes, but about what’s happening inside of us. By following Jesus and focusing on what’s good and true, we invite light into our lives—and we get to share that light with the world around us.
Don’t hide your light. Let it shine—through your actions, your words, and your love. Blessings to you as you walk in the light!
Minister A Francine Green / July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 