Building On The RockSample

Light Is Made to Shine

The philosopher Plato has a famous story, commonly known as “The Allegory of the Cave.” He portrays a number of people captive inside a cave facing a wall opposite the opening. They are chained in such a way that they cannot see behind them, only the wall in front of them. However, behind them is a fire, and between them and the fire is a raised walkway. Along the walkway pass people and objects, whose shadows are projected on the wall by the firelight. The prisoners can only see the shadows. That is their reality. Now, one of them is unchained and experiences the things themselves rather than just the shadows. He experiences a new reality. He can see the light and the figures projected by the light, no longer just the shadows.

Plato had in mind a specific interpretation of this allegory. But suppose we use it to illustrate this point: When we become believers in Christ, we are freed to experience a whole new world, a spiritual world. We can read messages from God on printed pages. We can speak to the invisible God. We can experience assurance of eternal salvation. We can feel a kinship with others who have the same experiences. All these things are available to us because we have turned and seen the light. 

Now we can speak to those who are still chained and introduce them to the new light we have seen. We can bring the light to them and show them there is more to the world than just what they see in front of them. There is a spiritual world involving God and sin and salvation, involving heaven and hell, involving forgiveness and peace of mind. We can introduce them to this whole new world.

When Jesus says, “Let your light shine” (Matthew 5:16), He does not mean we are to display our good works, but we are to be so clearly identified as Christ-followers that when people see our good works they will give the credit to our Lord. Light is made to shine. Whether it comes from the sun or the moon, from a klieg light or a candle, that’s its purpose—to push back the darkness. God’s light does that too. It pushes back the spiritual darkness.

Prayer: Lord, I make the commitment to let my light shine brightly. As I have opportunity to do good deeds, I will do them quietly without show; but if they are seen, may the credit go to You. Give me, Lord, opportunity for both clear verbal witness and quiet helpful deeds, so that the glory goes to You.