Darkness or Light

by: Tammy De Ruyter

Shortly after moving to a new home, I found myself alone one evening doing the late-night rounds. I made sure the doors were locked. I checked that my children were snug and asleep. Walking through the darkness of a new house, I entered the toy room and searched for the light switch. Sharp-edged toys and plastic ponies made the room a minefield of potential stumbling blocks. “Where is that switch?” I silently muttered. Finally, feeling my way through the hazardous maze, my fumbling fingers found the switch and light flooded the room. Ah, what relief to finally see.

John is clear about the choice between sin and confession. It’s like entering a room at night and flipping on a light switch. Because God is light, no one living in darkness (sin) can have fellowship with him (vv. 5-6). In God’s eyes, sin is sin. There is no difference in type or degrees. Slander, gossip, lust, robbery, assault, covetousness, gluttony, and murder are all sins. In human terms, the consequences for gossip and murder are worlds apart. But their effect is the same to God. Each separates us from him.

Confession is the light switch in the rooms of our hearts. The first step toward God’s light is acknowledging our sins. Confess your sins now and receive his forgiveness. Allow his light to illuminate your heart and shine in your life.