The Magnetism of Light
The Sapphire Review Vol. 1 | No. 6 • July 2, 2024
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Object Lesson
The polarity of a magnet, or the direction of the force of the unseen magnetic field emanating from certain metals, can be determined with the use of another magnetic object. Though the directions of the forces of magnetism cannot be seen with our eyes, they can be experimentally determined by external stimuli. When two magnetic objects are brought near one another, they will either pull closer to one another or repel. If their magnetic fields are aligned, they will snap together. If their fields are opposed, they will push away from one another and resist all efforts of bringing them together.
We see similar phenomenon in various types of God’s creatures and how they interact with light sources. Though the scientific explanations may vary, it is the perceived effect of light upon these creatures that I want to focus on. Some creatures, such as many insects, seem to be drawn toward light sources in a dark area. Other creatures, because they find greater comfort in the shadows of darkness, will scatter and run away whenever a light source is flipped on in their area. An insect’s efforts to connect with a light source can be somewhat comical from our perspective, yet they are undeterred in their incessant efforts to get as close as possible to the source of light.
Application
When the light of Christ shines by scriptures, exhortations, His truths, His character, or His standards in life, one of two responses is elicited from the heart of a person. In some cases, the person will respond positively to the new light (or reproof) that has been given and, in humility, they will grow spiritually. In other cases, they will resist the light (or reproof). In this resistance, their hearts will harden, their ears will grow dull, and their eyes will dim. They will fail to grow, or even fall away from the faith, if resisted for too long. Though perhaps unknown cognitively to the person, this turning from the light of truth shows that their heart finds greater comfort in the shadows where that light does not reach them.
When this light of Christ shines in our lives, what is our response? When convicted of sin, do we run to the light of repentance and overcoming, or do we scatter and run away by making excuses or justifications, or by trying to keep things hidden in the darkness?
When something of our character is shown to be in error (below the standard that Jesus would have us to achieve), or simply not in alignment with the Bible, do we respond to the light that has been shown by a humble surrender to Christ, or by running away and hiding? Are we pulled toward that light, clinging to it like two pieces of metal whose magnetic polarities are aligned, or are we repelled like the objects whose polarities are opposed?
If truths have been shown that press against past beliefs and traditions, or simply make us uncomfortable, do we align ourselves in fellowship with those walking in the light of these truths, or do we turn away from the truth and the brethren that God has brought into our lives? The first step of turning away is usually not the last, but the beginning of a slide, which starts slowly and gains momentum, causing us to slip further and further away from the light until we no longer remember how it once brightly shined within our hearts.
Prayer
May God help us to be fully surrendered to the light of Jesus Christ in every possible way. May we never resist the light that He gives us through the Bible, teachings, individuals, or any other thing that comes across our paths in our daily lives. May our hearts be those of the humble kind, always being quick to repent or to embrace truths that go against our traditions, thoughts, desires, and ambitions. May our wills be submitted not to our feelings, but to the clear and pure word of God, which is given to us through the Bible.
God Bless,
Charles