There is something in the deep nature of God which makes use of contrast. Power and weakness. Sin and the Spirit. Glory and destruction. Even within the Creation story itself we note that before He created the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night He separated Light from Darkness. Contrast. One can only assume that contrast amplifies and clarifies what cannot be seen without it. God uses contrast to bring about His purposes. Does this make sense?
When we live with active awareness of the reality of contrast it helps our spiritual life animate. Viewing life through this lens helps us to be alert and able to focus on the realities of light, darkness, and the alleged grays of life. Think of how insane life would be if there were no night or day but only a steady gray sameness. Contrast brings vibrancy – life of a kind that cannot be found in only gray (and I like rainy days!).
We are given all the tools of Light that God has created. Follow part of this thread with us:
Daniel 2:22 “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”
John 1:4 “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.”
John 11:10 “But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
1 John 1:5 “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
1 John 2:8 “On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining.”
1 John 2:10 “The one who loves his brother lives in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.”
When we live aware of this contrast we are more able to discern all of the nuances within our lives. What makes us close to our God? What are the things that honor God and that satisfy our minds and hearts? What makes us helpful, useful, and kind to our neighbors? What are the actions and principles which will allow us to hear the words “well done” in the final alignment of our existences with the purposes our God has for us?
Light and darkness are very real – and great tools through which we can discern meaning through contrast.
Walking in Light with you,
Dave and Burnadette