Light can be a synonym for understanding. The expanded idea is of great fulfillment through clarity of mind; enlightenment. This should be a priority in our lives. The danger of pursuing such a path comes with what we bring. Sins, such as the desire for preeminence, presumption, and pride, can bring us to darkness confused for light. They contain a bias which twists perspective.
- Matt. 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
- 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Jesus’ teaching points to all disciplines which would seem to have promise. Science, the arts, philosophy, and religion are such disciplines. There is not a single path of our devising which cannot be corrupted through our own conceits.
Some paths such as the arts, science, and philosophy have inherent limitations. They cannot bring us to any absolute. To think they can bring the answer is to be blinded already. They are products of the spirit of man, thus are subject to our frailties. “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” (I Cor.2:11)
Religion (that is, faith in an absolute – deity, deities, or atheism) can produce the ugliest of corruptions. When we place the idea of the absolute at the feet of our emotions and desires, what can be done other than to kill or subdue all who stand in the way? After all, isn’t that what is done when a priest, a king, a cleric, a rabbi, a preacher feeds our zeal with human imagination posing in the name of an absolute, whether God or atheism? “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (II Pet.2:2-3)
There is only one way that is true. There is only one way which is pure. Jesus said; “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) He cannot be corrupted. He conquered His temptations. He conquered death. He will help us to follow. But it cannot be on the basis of what we want Him to be. It can only be on His terms, and His alone.
- Matt. 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
- 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
These words are from the one who said to the adulteress, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”