According to experts in the field, natural light is extremely beneficial to our wellbeing. It boosts our vitamin D to help prevent certain cancers and heart disease; it increases energy for the work we do; it helps our vision; it helps us sleep better; and it improves our mood. It’s no wonder the Bible uses the benefits of natural light to help us learn about spiritual light, something we get when the Spirit of God comes to live inside of those who accept Jesus Christ. In John 8:12 He said, “I am the light of the world; those who follow me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul wrote to believers, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” So what does Paul mean? He says living in the light means doing what is good, righteous, and true, always seeking to find out what pleases the Lord. In our complex and sin-filled world, Our Lord calls His followers to live by the moral values Jesus taught and to do good deeds for others. If we are faithful to our calling, doing so will point others to Jesus Christ who boldly declared, “I am the Light of the world.”
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
Not sure what version of the scripture this is but the NIV says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” and the NLT version says “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life”
