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For it is the God
who commanded light to shine out of darkness,
who has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ
(2 Corinthians 4:6).
Margaret Silf, author of several volumes reflecting on the history and practice of Christian spirituality, offers a compelling assessment of a believer's relationship with self and God.
Imagine a dark room illuminated by a single candle; the candle represents the illuminating Presence of God, "the Father of Lights."
His steady light doesn't vary.
It doesn't change and produce shadows
(James 1:17).
Now, imagine you've turned your back to the candle and are walking from the room, away from the source of the light. Notice your shadow reaching out in front of you, anticipating--seeming even to direct--your next move. How does the darkness manifest itself in your life, in your relationships? The shadow that casts the darkness, bearing your very image, represents a life that is self-oriented; the shadow is your False Self, fortified by years of protective constructs.
Imagine what it would look like to simply turn around: to turn toward the illuminating Presence of God. How it shines and permeates the darkness! What happens to the shadow when you turn toward the source of light? Again...
His steady light doesn't vary.
It doesn't change and produce shadows
(James 1:17).
Who or what in your shadow world makes it so difficult to make the turn?
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