A perfect guide

‘Never say never’, says the idiom, expressing either hope or fear that there’s always a chance that what seems certain will change. Jesus, of course, pays no heed to English idiom, and claims that those who follow him will ‘never’ walk in darkness.

Light and darkness are rich metaphors, and the light of God offers more than just a guide for individual decision-making in our personal lives. Rather, ‘walking in the light’ is a way of life characterised by truth and integrity, by love and fellowship, by repentance and forgiveness.

Recognising that we are intrinsically connected to one another, I walk in the light when my choices are no longer about fulfilling my own personal goals but part of the great movement of the people of God towards peace and justice, which will be perfectly fulfilled in eternity.

Jesus is the one who walks perfectly in this light; following Jesus, it’s impossible to walk in the darkness of greed, hatred, violence or injustice, simply because he never does. But if we’ve wandered off in that direction, there’s always another chance to fall back in step with him.

Jesus, thank you that you are the light of the world and you show me how to walk in step with you. Where I have struggled to choose light over darkness, help me finding my footing in your ways again. Amen.