Today a verse I read stuck in my craw and nagged at me all morning. Jesus said in Luke 11:35 “Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.”
The context of His teaching is that we have within us the light, and we don’t want to keep hiding the light from people, but we want to display the light…for the world around us to see. He then goes on to say, Vs 34 “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body is full of light. But when they are bad, your body is also of darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.”
I was struck with the realization that in His words to His followers He was making a statement that would challenge me in 2017 to be mindful of what my eyes are opening up to, what they are gazing upon and what they are feeding to my soul.
“Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.” Implication to me is that, if I am not careful, what I perceive as light (truth) may actually be darkness (lies). How can I know? How can I know for sure that what I am spouting as truth is truth?
My assurance comes from my relationship with His Word and through the Holy Spirit. Does it line up with the scriptures? Is it founded on what I already know to be true? Is Jesus the center and rock bottom of what I am espousing as truth? Am I willing to step back and evaluate my thoughts? Does the Holy Spirit bear witness to what I am proclaiming?
Phil. 4:8 admonishes us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on such things.” And Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
When I have practiced these disciplines, I can be assured that there is light in my heart and truth is being worked in me. I can trust the Holy Spirit to bring a check to me if my light is harboring darkness or things that simply are not true.
A good reminder for me to continually check my light. Pray and listen to the Holy Spirit and walk in the Light of His leading.
