33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. 34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. 35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. (Luke 11:33-36 KJV)
The Light in You
If the eye of the soul is healthy—if it sees clearly and judges fairly, aims at truth for its own sake, and is not clouded by ulterior motives—the whole soul is full of light. It welcomes the gospel, which brings knowledge and joy. This is like the good soil that receives the word and understands it. If our understanding welcomes the gospel, it fills the soul. When the soul is fully under the influence of the gospel, with no part left unsanctified, it is full of holiness and comfort—once darkness, now light in the Lord. “As when the bright shining of a candle gives you light” (Luke 11:36). The gospel enters the souls that open up to receive it, and it brings light with it.
If the soul’s eye is bad—if the judgment is distorted by pride, envy, love of the world, or sensuality—if the understanding is biased against divine truth and refuses to accept it, no matter how convincing—it’s no surprise that the whole soul remains in darkness (Luke 11:34). How can those who willfully close their eyes to the gospel receive instruction, guidance, or comfort from it? What hope is there for them? Therefore, Christ warns: “Take heed that the light in you is not darkness” (Luke 11:35). Be careful that your spiritual vision isn’t blinded by bias, prejudice, or sinful motives. Be sincere in seeking truth, ready to receive it with love and obedience. The generation Jesus addressed never truly wanted to know or do God’s will—so it’s no wonder they walked in darkness, strayed endlessly, and perished in the end.