The first time I went cave exploring I learned an important lesson about being a Christian. There were about 15 of us that decided on adventuring into the cave. As we traversed the uneven landscape I had this feeling of closeness all around me. It was probably just my mild claustrophobia. At times we had to duck below a rock formation or step over small plateaus. Our feet would splash through shallow puddles that will probably never evaporate. It got cooler the deeper we journeyed.

Finally, we reached a large room where we gathered in a circle. At the same time we counted to three and turned off our flashlights. Black. It was a darkness that I had never experienced. I slowly moved my had up to my face. Nothing. I couldn’t see or even sense that my hand was there. Even though i knew that the others were still around me, I had an overwhelming feeling of being alone. It was deep, deep darkness. As I started to be aware of my surroundings, my friends started laughing and making scary noises.

Suddenly one flashlight came on. The illumination from the two-D-celled flashlight could be seen from every corner of the cave.

A few things to reflect on: 1.) My friend with the light could now traverse the rocky terrain of the cave. Those of us who still had our light off could not. 2.) My friend was completely distinct from the rest of his surroundings. A light shining into blackness could easily be located. 3.) The person with the light could easily be seen from anywhere in the large room. Even from a bit of distance. They stuck out. It was obvious who had the light and who didn’t.

Jesus said: You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

As Christians, when we follow God’s Word, we are being lights to the world. We can traverse the moral decay of this world and still live happy and successful lives. We are continually trying to grow and become more like Christ, therefore we live distinctively from the rest of the world. Sometimes it is hard to stick out, but we are given strength by God. He gives power to the weak, “and to those who have no might He increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29).

When my friend turned their light on I was compelled to turn my light on as soon as I could. I was done feeling my way around in the utter darkness. I will never forget the lesson of being a light in darkness after the adventure in the cave with my friends.