February 9

No Dark Corners 

See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.  Luke 11:35-36

We each have a key task to complete before we set out to fight evil: discerning the darkness in our own hearts.

Jesus told His disciples to make sure the light they had was not really darkness. To understand the full implications of Jesus’ words here we need to understand three critical truths. First, we have to realize that Jesus knows all about Satan’s domain of existence. Jesus was present when the angels rebelled. Ever since, Satan has been forced to live in darkness away from the presence of God’s light. Second, this darkness is not physical, but moral. Third, Satan is free to traffic his schemes and sow destruction anywhere moral darkness is tolerated. He can search out, invade, and thrive in both the small spaces harboring darkness in a person’s mind as well as in the large places.

An attitude, an action, a way of thinking, or a way of living are all possible places of moral darkness and, by definition of his sentence, a place where Satan is free to traffic, transport, and transact evil. Unfortunately, most believers compartmentalize this truth and believe this darkness is beyond them—lurking far way in some other realm.

The warning of Jesus to his men demonstrates His insight into how evil and darkness can invade the goodness and light of any believer. But not only that, His warning was meant to cause the disciples to pause and reflect on the personal implications. It’s an admonition to God’s man to step back, take a look at himself objectively, and ask the hard questions about the motives behind why he is doing what he’s doing for Christ. Specifically: is it about me or about Him?

Father, You know my weaknesses, and if I’m honest, I do too. Thank You for Your Spirit within me Who will guide me into all truth.