My husband and I enjoy the ‘CSI’ type shows, including all the CSI’s, NCIS, Closed Case, Criminal Minds, and Numbers. We like following the evidence and trying to guess who done it. We have noticed, though, that throughout all these shows is a puzzling behavior. These supposedly educated and very intelligent crime solvers all seem to lack the natural instinct to turn on a light. What’s up with searching crime scenes with a flashlight? Is this purely for dramatic purposes or do real crime scene investigators use flashlights to look for evidence? Has the power been cut in all the crime scenes? We understand looking under the bed or in a dark closet with a flashlight, but what about when the clues are in the range of a lamp? Does turning on a light destroy valuable evidence? Do the investigators choose to remain in the darkness for the fear of what they will see? It makes one ponder.
Sometimes we approach our walk with our Father like those investigators, using a flashlight to seek Him. While this is a wonderfully useful tool when searching the farthest reaches of our life, there has to be easier way. God is referred to as our Light throughout Scripture. I just can’t picture Him as a tiny flashlight. To me, I think He is much brighter and more illuminating. Examining His Word using the light that He has placed in us through our salvation in Christ seems so much simpler. (John 8:12) And while the Light is within us, this Light should brighten the paths around us so that others may see evidence of Him. (Matthew 5:14-16) The simple fact that there is no darkness in the Light should be of great comfort to us when we are seeking His guidance. His Ways are clear. So maybe we should put down our flashlights and turn on the Light.
The next time you are watching any of the aforementioned crime dramas, see if you notice the same thing that we have.
John 3:19-21
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Very enlightening insight. Often we do look for God with a "flashlight" instead of realizing he is the bright light of our existence, lighting the path for us to follow. Mom
Great post! We do the same thing with those types of shows. We like '24' but we get so ticked off when Jack Baur kills people and then doesn't take their weapons off of them. He will enter a building full of foreign terrorists armed only with his handgun.
I've never seen any of these shows, but it sure does sound funny not turning any lights on. I agree, God's light is more than a flashlight. The Bible says heaven won't need any light because of God and Jesus. Let the Sonlight shine!
Blessings,
Laurie
….my DH used to be a CSI over here in England – I'll have to ask him about the "turning on the lights" thing!! Will get back to you on it!
God certainly is more than a "flashlight" in our lives – with His light in our hearts then anything is possible!
~Chrissy
I've thought the same thing about those shows – why don't they ever turn on the lights?! Great verse you shared on this post – and on your pumpkin post, too.
Thanks for dropping by my blog!
Karen
Thank you for the edification.
Warmly,
Lori
Just the other night my husband said the same thing while we were watching Criminal Minds. I will have to share this with him…..it's very illuminating. No pun intended.
StacyH
http://www.heartofwisdom.com/teachinghisways
How true! We love the same shows that you all do and you're right- they never turn on a light!
Renee'
http://rmboys2.wordpress.com/
That is so true!
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