Funny, the things you’ll see on the way to the vet’s office.

Our vet is in the next small town over from our big suburb, so as I was driving on a rural stretch of road to take our new puppy to her first appointment, I saw this sign:

Upon seeing these words, the very next thing that entered my mind was this:

In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:4-5

We in the West are so programmed to do things ourselves. “Self-made” we are, pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps.

But to push back darkness, going it alone won’t work. We aren’t equal to the task.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way.

Isaiah 53:6

Darkness is the natural state of things. Darkness doesn’t have a source; it just exists. Conversely, light requires a source, an originator.

So it is with us.

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

And if there was any question as to what we are to do with the light that Christ gives to us, Jesus left no room for doubt.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

So by all means, push back against the darkness. But do so with the light of Jesus Christ. That’s the only way it will work.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Martin Luther King