It was completely dark on the island. The generators had gone out, and Easter Island was plunged into darkness. With no nearby city lights and only the moon and stars overhead, I lit a candle in my small room. It reminded me of World War 2 and the “Blackout Regulations.” This was a general mandate—that all windows should be prepared with heavy cloth, cardboard or paint to keep light from shining into the night. It was an effort to prevent light from the cities aiding enemy bombers. They understood this simple truth, even the smallest of light can be seen from miles away. Because of this, stiff fines were enforced for those who violated the blackouts. Though today these blackouts have been rendered futile by modern technology, the truth still remains.
Jesus put it this way, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14). He goes on to say in that same context, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Some of you may already be singing, “Hide it under a bushel. NO! I’m gonna let it shine…” Could it be that simple?
Those who are living and practicing the teachings of Christ are called “light.” Examine this passage, “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph. 5:8-10). And another, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober” (1 Thess. 5:4-6). Those of the light are characterized as good, righteous, truthful, alert and sober. We are to be those people that please God.
There are fewer things in life with greater contrast than light and darkness. We are to be that light that stands out in the dark world. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you appear as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15). We must realize that we will be different from those we come in contact with daily. It is for their good and our own that we shine. There are zero shades of grey with God. You are either darkness or light. Choose light.
It was completely dark on the island. Now there are two that have chosen the light, pray that there will be more.