Enough Motivation

          For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10)

          This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (I John 1:5-7)

          Darkness. That was then. Then the Son rose, and now you’re children of light. When I went for my walk this morning, the sun hadn’t come up yet. It was dark. Things were grayed and harder to see. You’ve experienced this. As the sun rose, things became more distinct and colorful. Now, as the sun gets higher, the color fades out – but it is not the absence of light that brings color. It’s the presence. It’s not the absence of light that lets us see beauty, but the presence. Even in the night sky, the stars and the moon don’t impress us with their darkness, but with their light.

           As a photographer, I’ve been told that dark provides contrast and keeps things from being washed out but once again, you need light to take a picture, and if there isn’t enough, my camera tries to provide some. Good photographers have hand-held lights and flashes, and little reflector screens to bring light where it’s missing.

           So why is it we’re so fascinated with the dark? Ultimately, it’s easier and more comfortable because it’s familiar. It takes less effort. We all want to say that the amount of light we shed is enough. But if we are to be light, how much darkness, which is the absence of light, is acceptable? If we are to be good, how much that is less than good can we have and still be good? If we are to be righteous, how much unrighteousness can mix in without doing away with righteousness? If we are to true, and to hold to the truth, how much of a lie can our lives be? What would our lives be like if we were truly dedicated?

           This morning, I watched a video done by a young woman who I clearly into physical fitness. She was amazing to watch. She didn’t get that way by thinking, “I should do something about my physique.” I remember the effort it took to  get into shape years ago. I remember spending hours working on my family history. There have been things I put time and energy into – and I reaped benefits. So how can this be any different?

           What would a life filled with light look like? Good, righteous and true – but what would a life filled with goodness look like? Or a life of righteousness? Or of truth? Or of love? The answer is – like Jesus. Why isn’t that enough of a motivation?