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Coming to the Light

Gene Van Shaar

Apr 23, 2020

Sometimes when a person turns away from doing destructive things and starts doing beneficial things it's called Coming to the Light. This is reminiscent of some lines from "Star Wars" about turning away from the Dark Side. In the movies and in life the Dark Side is commonly understood to be opposed to truth and freedom and love.

The obvious question is, "Why would anyone ever turn to the Dark Side?" It seems that for most people it is not intentional. Often, they get tricked or trapped into it and then have a hard time getting out because evil is deceptive and addictive, and many think it's easier to hide than it is change. John the Beloved explained problem this way:

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." (NIV John 3:19-21)

If we are honest with ourselves, most of us have some fear of the light because we know we have made mistakes. But all is not lost because there is redemptive power in the universe. Christians call it the atonement. The idea is that Christ satisfied the demands of justice making it possible for all who follow him to be forgiven and partake of the divine nature.

If we want to make personal or political improvements, we need to replace our fear and discouragement with faith and delight. That's easier said than done but there is an old Cherokee legend that can help:

An old chief was teaching his grandson about life and said, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, regret, greed, lust, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, lies, false pride, and ego. The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too." The grandson thought about it for a while and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old chief simply replied, "The one you feed." (Public Domain)

Every step we make into the light is a step out of darkness. Single steps are easy and as they add up, darkness diminishes. Scientifically and spiritually, light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Darkness does not disperse light and light does not suck away darkness. But every step into the light drives darkness from our eyes and minds. Light and faith will eventually conquer darkness and fear if we consistently feed the right wolf.  

Consider the choices you are making day after day. Who and what do you love the most? What kind of son, daughter, father, or mother will you be? What kind of a friend are you? Who will you help, and how? How will you spend your time and money? Who do you trust to lead you? What kind of leader will you be? Don't just go with the flow. Choose a path that grows brighter with every step and leads to happiness and prosperity.

Politically speaking, its easy and pleasant to come to the light. Start by treasuring and protecting freedom, for yourself and others. Avoid trying to control other people or their possessions. Be loyal to your benefactors. Vote for and support those who can be trusted to protect freedom and property.

Copyright © 2020 by Gene Van Shaar