Dark Light: Discerning true light from the world’s false shine

Weekend Word with Keith Garner

“See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:35 NIV)

At first glance, this verse feels confusing. How can light be darkness? But Jesus is warning us that not everything that appears bright is truly light.

In the surrounding verses, He explains that if our eyes are healthy, if we see Him clearly, our whole body is filled with light. But if we fail to see Him rightly, what we think is light can actually be darkness. It may look convincing, sound wise, and even feel spiritual, but it is not rooted in truth.

Think about reflected light. Sometimes in the distance you see something shining, only to realize it is just sunlight bouncing off a window. It looks bright, but it has no power of its own. If the sun moves, the light disappears. It looked like a light, but it is not a light at all.

The online world is full of these “reflected lights.” Trending voices, viral clips, compelling opinions, some even labeled Christian. But popularity is not the same as truth. Bright is not always right. Bright is not always light.

As ministry workers, especially in media spaces, we must be anchored in the true Light, Jesus Himself. If we are not careful about what we watch, absorb, and believe, we may slowly allow darkness to masquerade as light within us.

This week, let’s ask the Lord to keep our vision clear. May we see Christ for who He truly is, be filled with His light, and refuse to be guided by anything less than Him.

— Keith Garner