First, light overcomes all darkness. In perfect darkness, even the light of a candle can be seen miles away. So distance from the light source gradually dims the light until utter darkness results. My master bedroom doesn't have an overhead light. I have to go several feet to reach a table lamp. Recently I stepped on one of my dog Lily's squeaky toys before I got to the table. Now that will get your attention!
Spiritually, when we move away from the Source of all Light, darkness will ultimately consume us. The Creator of the sun and the moon and the stars is also the initiator of the "light" in our lives. Isaiah prophesied that the Jewish people living in darkness would someday see a great light, the light of the world, fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Isaiah 60:1-3). We cause our own spiritual darkness when we choose to live "a distance" from the Light.
Second, we darken the Light by focusing on the wrong things and making ourselves the judges of what are the right things. God has been pretty clear about what pleases Him. See 1 Samuel 15:22, for an example. Using God's Word as a weapon against others presumes God's judgment on their sins as being greater than His judgment on our sins.
Third, and even darker, is establishing structures that degrade other humans. Dehumanizing anyone diminishes the truth of his or her being made in the image of God. Setting ourselves up as "more worthy" than another flies in the face of Jesus' admonition to serve Him by serving "the least of these" (Matt. 25:45).
If we "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7), we have fellowship with one another. Humm ... maybe a little more Light would dispel a little more darkness that separates believers in today's world.
