John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
This natural “world” is often darkened by anger, hate, temptations, deceptions, evil people, and sinful behaviors. Evil naturally likes the darkness, for darkness affords opportunity to assault the Children of God, who have strayed from “the light”. For the Children of God, living in this natural “world” is much like following a leader on a very dark and perilous backwoods path on a moonless night; and, the only “light” is in the hand of the Leader! To go it alone, without “the light”, is to severely imperil ourselves; for, on the path “of life” are many trip hazards, venomous creatures, and wild things that will do us great harm. Furthermore, without “the light”, it is easy to stray off the path, further imperiling ourselves. After walking in the “darkness” for a while, when the Lord directs us back to His path, and again shines “the light of the world” on His path, our distress and anxiety are immediately replaced with joy, comfort, and peace. Our Lord put it this way, “he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”! To follow the Lord is to follow the Spiritual Leadership He places in our hearts, to read and learn His Word, and to attend and be a part of His Church.