The planting directions warned, “Needs at least six hours of sunshine each day.” But I was hoping to keep the tomato plants indoors for the summer, shielded from disease, insects, and squirrels.
The plants did well for the first few weeks, but grew spindly and tall rather than thick and bushy.
What was the problem? Not enough sun. Even with loads of the proper fertilizer and constant watering, the tomatoes were tiny, few, and the plants immature.
It occurred to me that we people have that in common with plants. We need light, lots of light. But not just the light of the sun, and its warmth: we need full exposure to spiritual light as well, the light of God, His Word, and His grace.
This is why Jesus spoke to His disciples so much about light. “I am the light of the world.” “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” “Whoever does what is true comes to the light. . .”
Being away from God is walking in spiritual darkness. Days apart from exposure to God’s Word mean stumbling and getting off the path. Turning away from His grace guarantees that our souls shrivel, wilt, and bear no fruit. Darkness leads to immaturity, and eventually hopelessness and death.
Let’s be sure we are caring for our souls by basking in the glorious light of His presence. Anywhere else is very, very, very dark. Let’s move into the Son.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Ephesians 5:8