It’s ok to be afraid of the dark

I’m not talking about when the lights are turned out at night and the room is dark. Although, I think there are plenty of arguments about why this could be scary, it is a different type of darkness that I am talking about. With the new school year in full swing, I wanted to remind parents to remind their children that the bible has a lot to say about “light” and “darkness.” Your children are sure to encounter both light and darkness in the days to come no matter where they attend school. A good reminder comes to us out of Ephesians 5:11. It says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Works of darkness can refer to any sin that is displeasing to the Lord. Here are a few reminders for you and your children to consider.

“God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all…” (I Jn. 1:5)

The power to rationalize sin comes so naturally doesn’t it? I remember laughing when my friends threw spit wads behind the teachers back at school (ok, I did it as well…). I also remember many times gathering around with the crowd while a fight was going on at school to see who was going to win it. I could go on and on as I am sure some of you could as well. I could simply rationalize to myself that I didn’t throw the spit wad and I wasn’t in the fight. However, I was enjoying the darkness of those deeds in the moment. If we want to be like God, then we must remember that there is no darkness in Him “at all.” Striving to be a godly example doesn’t just mean not directly participating in a dark deed, but also would include us not giving approval to such a deed as well (Rom. 1:31). It’s ok to be afraid of the dark….

“Satan disguises himself as an angel of light…” (II Cor. 11:14)

This verse has always bothered me. When we see caricature’s of Satan, it’s usually of him wearing a big red suit with horns on his head. If only it were that easy! The scriptures make it clear that Satan and his lies are subtle, cunning and appear to be safe. If we aren’t careful, we quickly become like the little lamb that has strayed from its momma. Lurking in the bushes our enemy, the wolf is waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce. Just when everything seems safe and we feel that we are in the clear, we are devoured (I Pet. 5:8). That angel of light was really a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Teach your children to discern between true light and true darkness. Have conversations with them about this and remind them “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” (Pr. 1:10). Many times, what seems to be a harmless invitation from others for fun ends up being sin with great cost. Teach your children that sometimes darkness looks like light. It’s ok to be afraid of the dark…..

“But if we walk in the light………” (I Jn. 1:7)

“But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Walking in light helps us to feel free as Christians! There is nothing worse for the conscience of a believer than to participate in a dark deed, push it way down deep inside and try to hide it. I can testify personally that doing this feels horrible inside and destroys our fellowship with God and others. Walking in the light allows us to feel whole and walk in lockstep with God’s Spirit rather than “quench” Him (I Thess. 5:19).  Teach your children, prudence, thoughtfulness and to seek the wisdom of their Elders. The naïve tend to rush into things without giving any thought as to whether they are participating in a deed of light or a deed of darkness. May God bless you as you raise your children, and remember, it’s ok to be afraid of the dark.

All Scriptures are taken from the NASB Bible

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