No Fear of Darkness
It’s Easy to Let Fear Take Control
It isn’t a secret that I am a major Waltons fan.
For some who may not know, The Waltons was a weekly historical drama in the 1970s and early 80s. It takes place during the Great Depression and World War II era at a fictitious location in Virginia. Many of the episodes came with a hidden life lesson.
In one such episode, John Boy, who owned a local newspaper, wanted to print the ramblings of a crazed world dictator so the people in his community were educated on what was spreading throughout Europe and sure to affect everyone in the world eventually.
The community would have none of it. The pastor of their small, respectful Baptist Church challenged John Boy’s decision to print the dictator’s words. Out of fear and ignorance, the community followed the pastor’s lead, turning on those they once loved. Attacks happen on the Walton home, and the community soon becomes unrecognizable.
In the last few minutes of the episode, Reverend Fordwick gathers his congregation for a book burning. As the fire blazes and books pile up, John Boy protests the actions being taken and points out what choosing ignorance is doing to them.
As he looks down at the pile of literature, a specific book catches his eye. He picks it up and asks if anyone there can read German. A beloved local lady comes forward, takes the book, and begins reading in German. She then translates, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Jesus Teaches Us How to Be Wise Without Being Controlled By Fear
Ignorance Breeds Fear
Jesus reminds us that we are to be aware of our enemies’ (the world, our fleshly impulses, and the devil) schemes. Like the people on Walton’s Mountain, we can easily become unsettled and confused when we choose to be ignorant of the darkness around us. It often feels easier to simply pretend the ploys of darkness don’t affect us or aren’t our business to see. We might even lash out at anyone who encourages us to stand up to the gloom.
But denial will eventually bring us to despair. If we choose to turn a blind eye to the darkness, we are simply giving fear an opportunity to take hold in our hearts.
The Truth Sets Us Free
When we know The Truth, it sets us free. We don’t have to hide from darkness because the Light of the World lives in us. Do you understand who you are in Christ? This is where the message starts getting really good. You have been delivered from the control of darkness and moved to the Kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13). You don’t have to hide from the fear of darkness. Darkness fears you because the Lord Jesus Christ lives in you.
Christ is Our Source of Light that Drives Out Fear
As children of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we have seen a great Light and been moved from the land of great darkness. God’s marvelous Light shines on us (Isaiah 9:2). We get to walk in the Light. We don’t have to cower in fear and hide from the schemes of the one who wants to keep our minds captive with lies and ignorance. We can acknowledge the lies of the enemy, reject them, and proclaim the glorious Truth of who Christ is and, therefore, who we are in Him. When the world, the flesh, and the devil press into areas of influence, you don’t have to fear. “Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4)
Embrace the Truth: You Are God’s Beloved Saint
Are you walking by the Truth of your complete freedom in Christ? Do you understand how God your Father sees you? I encourage you to embrace the whole Truth of God’s Word written for you. Knowing your identity in Christ and how it affects everything is life-changing. You are His beloved saint (Romans 1:7).
Enjoy Jesus to the fullest today.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old HAS passed away; behold, the new HAS come.
II Corinthians 5:17
