As we consider the above passage we see it speaks of God as the perfect light, free from all darkness. As God's children and members of His family, we are to walk in His light. His light is truth, pure and holy. He is the only true light. In his perfect light there is no falsehood or sin. Anything and everything apart from Him, regardless of how good it may seem, is darkness.

Physical light brings clarity and understanding to that which surrounds us. Without light, the best of eyes are completely worthless. With good light, we can see and understand our world. With clear, well lighted vision, we can discern good and bad in that which surrounds us.

 

As with the physical, spiritual light, which is only from God and nowhere else, allows us to see and discern what surrounds us spiritually. It allows us to follow God's leading and please Him what we think and do. A heart "tuned" to God and His goodness, enjoying His light, is so much focused on God that sin (darkness) is largely unseen. As we are in His light, under His influence, we are in a world where sin does not hold sway over our hearts. If you are like me, sin can "pop up" from our hearts, thoughts or surroundings and lead us astray, but as our hearts and minds are filled with worship and fellowship with Him (filled with light), sin has no opportunity or place in our hearts. A mind occupied by God has no place for sin. I have used the term, "distracted by Christ" to describe how we are so captivated by Him, that old patterns of behavior or struggles we had in the past, no longer grab our attention.

 

I have tried to illustrate this truth in this .pdf file. As we dwell closer to God in our minds and hearts, there is less sin or darkness around us. We are literally tempted less. Things which might have captured our attention in the past, no longer are of interest. Rather than attempt to fight sin in our own strength, a guaranteed losing battle, we can turn our hearts and minds to Him. By faith we can choose to know and worship Him each moment and allow His light to fill our hearts, leaving no room for the darkness and sin. There are certainly times where we must look sin in the eye and say "no", but we are told to walk in the light, not avoid the darkness. Just as physical light precludes darkness, so does The Light of the World drive away the darkness (sin) from our hearts.