Spiritual Light

“The process of gathering spiritual light is the quest of a lifetime.” 

- Dieter F Uchtdorf (Source)

“First of all, we must establish just what light is. How would you define it? Too often we take for granted some seemingly commonplace things, but we cannot define them. The term light has several meanings in science and philosophy, but for simplification we will concentrate on Webster’s ideological definition, which calls it something that makes vision possible, or spiritual illumination.

Though scientists vary in their understanding of the nature of the substance of light, they do say that all energy has its origin in light (mostly from the sun).

"We know that without physical light we cannot see the things around us or even where we are going; and without spiritual light we cannot have knowledge or understanding. We should note that many who cannot see with their physical eyes are not left in darkness, because they have the same opportunity as others for enlightening their minds through spiritual illumination.

"Darkness is described as a condition devoid of light; not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light; not clear to the understanding; or showing evil traits and desires. Complete darkness, then, would be the absence of light and truth and thus would not exist in intelligence.”  - N Eldon Tanner  (Source)

There is an aspect of mortals that is eternal and holy.  This is the part of the soul called Intelligence.  In my theology, this part is light and was not created.  Whereas God is the father of our souls as also our mortal parents procreated our earthly bodies, therefore we exist as a combination of spiritual and earthly matter.  (Source)

The light within us is subtly visible and described as a “show of the countenance.”  Some people have a “bright” countenance and others a “dark” countenance.  We receive light from the presence of God. (Source)  It comes from the Holy Spirit independent of our religious beliefs because we “listen” and accept it.  “For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” (Source) 

"Indeed, you and I have the responsibility to preach the gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter, as a prerequisite for the learning by faith that can be achieved only by and through the Holy Ghost (see D&C 50:14). In this regard, you and I are much like the long, thin strands of glass used to create the fiber-optic cables through which light signals are transmitted over long distances. Just as the glass in these cables must be pure to conduct the light efficiently and effectively, so we should become and remain worthy conduits through whom the Spirit of the Lord can operate.  But we must be careful to remember in our service that we are conduits and channels; we are not the light. 'For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you’" (Matthew 10:20). David A Bednar (Source)

Light is attracted to light and can increase indefinitely.  In my theology, “He that keepeth His commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”  (Source)  

In order to increase, light and truth leave evil and darkness.  If instead, we leave light and truth, darkness increases.  No one is protected from this phenomenon.  In my church we have been taught, “And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.” 

(Source)  So just as the church was “darkened”, we can also be lose light and truth by our unbelief.

“We are prone to say that we are waiting on the Lord to receive light and truth when, as a matter of fact, the Lord is waiting on us—waiting for us to get into condition so he can reveal the light we seek and so desperately need.

"The Lord has well stated our plight. ‘And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men [love] darkness rather than light, because their deeds [are] evil.’” (John 3:19) - Hartman Rector Jr (Source)

Glow of Charity by Art4theGlryofGod

So the light of our countenance is collected as we seek for it.  It increases.  It makes difficult concepts clear.  I love this verse from scripture, “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.

"Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.”  (Source)  The word "single" also connotes "oneness" which is another well-known Biblical symbol.

“As we earnestly seek light and truth, we develop clarity in our lives that reflects spiritual understanding and commitment. This clarity results as we learn from our daily experiences, our thoughtful study, and as we receive personal inspiration from the Holy Spirit.” -Elaine L Jack  (Source)

During World War II, blackouts were enforced to make it harder for planes to accurately drop their bombs.  These drastic measures prevented casualties.  As the war continued, people yearned for a time when the lights could go back on.  The YouTube video below is a popular song from that time.  

“While our primary effort must be to seek light and truth, we would be wise to black out from our homes the lethal bombs that destroy spiritual development and growth….  Religious faith is a store of light, knowledge, and wisdom and benefits society in a dramatic way when adherents engage in moral conduct because they feel accountable to God.” - Quentin L Cook  (Source)

The faith of each person is a light to the world.  As we live true to the light and truth we have received, we illuminate those principles for others to see.  The light shines in darkness and the darkness comprehends it not.  But the light chases the darkness away.  And someday, we will see and comprehend God and we will know that He is the true light that is in us.  (Source)

If you liked this post you might also like:  The Wise Shall Shine