How We Keep Our Light Lit

Mike Hosey, Elder

The truth is a strange thing. It is both loved and hated. We see it exalted in our literature and in our laws, inscribed on our buildings, and studied in our philosophies.  We often celebrate it, but we often hate it, and shy away from it as well. For those who are willing to open their eyes, it is a light in a dark world.

And it has always been this way.

Consider the reaction of the Jews, and some of the disciples in John, chapter 6.  Here, Jesus describes himself as the bread that came from Heaven (John 6:33-38, John 6:58-59).  In both these instances, Jesus’ teaching was met by grumbling. The first grumblings were from the Jews in general (John 6:41).  This group was probably comprised of religious leaders, as well as common people mired in the traditions of the Jewish religion.  It was just too hard for them to believe that a local boy with local parents could be a powerful prophet, savior, or king.

The second grumblings were from people who said they followed Jesus (John 6:61)! But they weren’t really followers of Jesus at all.  They did not value the same things that Jesus valued, and had an interest in things other than spiritual transformation. When the hard teachings of Jesus came, they left Him, and no longer walked in His way (John 6:66).  They simply could not bear (or stomach) the truth. Their departure was a kind of evidence against their genuineness (1 John 2:19).

Unfortunately, that’s what truth does to us when our heart is not right.  It repels us.  So how do we protect ourselves from the same errors as those Jews and disciples?  As a body of believers, we must discipline ourselves to love the truth. We commit ourselves to the truth, and submit to it always. And since Jesus is the truth (John 14:6) we should be sure to recognize Him and love Him for who He is.  If we don’t commit ourselves to Him and worship Him in a personal and real way, we could lose our light as a church (Revelations 2:4-5).  And if that happens, Alachua and High Springs would be a bit darker.  So, too, would Haiti, the Philippines, India and Pakistan!