The Darker Side of Light
In terms of biblical metaphors, dark & light almost always represent the distinction between good & evil, truth & falsehood, right & wrong. So, it’s understandable if we never think about the darker side of light... or as Jesus expressed it, light that is not light at all, but a darkness.
If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
(Mathew 6:23)
Creation began with Light: Let there be... LIGHT. When we speak about light & darkness, we tend to frame it in absolute terms. Light is all good; darkness is all bad. Yet, Satan can also use light in a deceptive way:
Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light...
(2 Corinthians 11:14)
Something that business and science have long understood is that "light" or the lack thereof, has a profound effect upon human behavior. Biologically our sleep cycles are largely controlled by our circadian system which is controlled by light exposure. This enables you to sleep at night and stay awake during the day. Today's epidemic of insomnia is largely due to the blue light that is emitted via screens. Our brain gets confused into thinking we should be awake, when it is time to asleep. If you want to improve your sleep, turn off your TV and other devices an hour before you go to bed.
Businesses also have discovered that they can control purchasing behavior by using different kinds and levels of lighting within stores. They have also found that people are happier, more creative, and more productive if they are seated near a window where they are exposed to natural light. Windowless offices and cubicles, especially with bright lighting, may cause people to work faster; but they will feel more pressured and stressed. Over time they will be less happy and view their work as a "grind."
The world of performance music has also found that light can have a powerful effect upon audiences. One well known concert director explained, "By curating a sound and lighting package that aligns with your desired atmosphere, you can create an experience that captivates attendees from the moment they enter the venue."
I never gave this a great deal of thought until I watched a secular concert, and then a contemporary Christian concert. Outwardly they were identical: Thousands of young people standing close together, arms and hands raised high, rhythmically bouncing in unison to the pounding beat of the music. One was rock; the other was... "worship?" Or was it
What I was watching explained something that has puzzled me for years. I see masses of Christian young people, enthusiastically "worshipping" at Christian concerts; often with tears streaming down their faces. But once the concert ends, their behavior and lifestyles remains unchanged. Was it the Holy Spirit, or the clever use of light & sound that motivated their respones?
Great music is entertaining. It can move one emotionally. Life David playing for Saul, it can relieve our depression; or intensify them.
True worship is different: It's transformative. It moves our thoughts from ourselves and the struggles of this world and causes us to focus on the goodness & greatness of Our God. The difference become readily obvious. As one saint expressed it decades ago, I don't care how high you jump when you worship; but how straight you walk when it’s over.