The Response to the Light
(Ephesians 4:18)
The experience of having the filth within us revealed by God’s light causes us great suffering. To avoid this suffering, the choice that people commonly make is not to remove the filth but rather to block the light. However, if such behavior is repeated, the conscience hardens and sensitivity reaches a state of paralysis.
1. Rejection
If one continually and intentionally rejects God’s light, this tendency becomes reinforced by Satan. Moreover, if that tendency is confirmed by God, that person’s ability to perceive God will no longer function. As a result of repeatedly choosing unbelief towards God’s light, they will eventually be unable to believe in God.
2. Selection
When God’s light shines, we must not disregard it. Neglecting the light does not mean never responding to it at all. Selectively responding to the light only when it is advantageous is also neglecting the light. Such a person may appear to be a holy believer in the eyes of others, but their behavior deceives not only others but also God, and eventually, they end up deceiving themselves. “I have never rejected the light. I have never done that. It really never happened.” By repeatedly telling themselves this, they come to believe that their faith life is progressing normally.
3. Repentance
“You are hurting the church. Regardless of whether the church is falling or not, you are only trying to enforce your own will.” No matter how much God shines His light, a person with a hardened heart cannot perceive it. To avoid this, let us actively respond to the light when it shines. Let us acknowledge our unreliable truths and move toward God with repentant hearts, despite the pain. On our faith journey, we will face numerous crossroads of choice. In these moments, even if we lose other things, let us be saints who choose the sensitivity to know God and the heart to meet God.
July 7, 2024
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
