{"id":726,"date":"2026-01-10T15:57:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T15:57:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haroutnercessian.com\/?p=726"},"modified":"2026-01-15T10:42:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T10:42:26","slug":"the-inconvenient-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/haroutnercessian.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/10\/the-inconvenient-light\/","title":{"rendered":"The Inconvenient Light"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ\u2026To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. \u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

2 Cor. 2:15-16<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Two thousand years ago, the Light entered the world and unsettled the religious establishment, exposing the rot hidden beneath their rhetoric and practices. Enraged, they crucified Him. That same Light still exposes our sin today. How do we respond?<\/span><\/p>

Light is both a blessing and a condemnation\u2014like Paul\u2019s metaphor of the \u201caroma of Christ,\u201d which brings death to some and life to others (2 Cor 2:15). Essential for living, light also exposes what we would rather keep hidden, and our response to what it reveals determines whether it blesses or condemns us.<\/span><\/p>

How do Christians protect themselves from the \u201cLight?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

We use the same tools as the first century religious leaders. We focus on external and visible religious habits such as faithfully attending church, serving in the church, giving generously, even preaching. These are good and essential practices that leave the impression that we are devout believers and obedient to God.<\/span><\/p>

Yet, although God is pleased with these deeds, He is more concerned about hidden traits such as motives, thoughts and intentions.<\/span><\/p>

But isn\u2019t The Light good?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Absolutely. Light is good\u2014God created it and declared it so (Gen. 1:3). It enables us to see, read, and live with clarity. Scripture also uses \u201clight\u201d metaphorically: Jesus, the Light of the world, reveals the Father\u2014\u201cAnyone who has seen me has seen the Father\u201d (Jn. 14:9). As the Word, He is our guide, \u201ca lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path\u201d (Ps. 119:105).<\/span><\/p>

So why are people annoyed by the Light?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Because Light exposes. It reveals human depravity and sin. Scripture describes God\u2019s Word as \u201csharper than any double-edged sword,\u201d penetrating to judge \u201cthe thoughts and attitudes of the heart\u201d (Heb. 4:12). Jesus confronted hypocrisy, greed, and the lust for power. He likened the Pharisees to \u201cwhitewashed tombs\u201d that look clean outside but are full of death within (Matt. 23:27). He accused them of\u00a0cleaning\u00a0the outside of the cup while leaving the inside full of greed and self-indulgence.<\/span><\/p>

Ouch. That stings.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Yes, Light hurts. It is like pouring alcohol on an open wound. The pain of exposure was so unbearable that the religious leaders conspired to silence Jesus on a cross.<\/span><\/p>

But weren\u2019t the Pharisees pious men?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Indeed. Meticulously devoted to the laws and traditions built around the Torah, many still exploited religion for personal gain. Jesus noted, \u201cEverything they do is done for people to see.\u201d They relished seats of honor, loud prayers, and moral superiority\u2014even boasting over sinners like the tax collector (Luke 18:11). The material benefits and thrill of status proved irresistible, as the pleasure of standing above the common people was too good to surrender.<\/span><\/p>

And His disciples?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Jesus\u2019 disciples were not immune to the allure of power and glory either. At the Last Supper, even as Jesus spoke of His impending suffering, the dazzle of future ministerial posts in God\u2019s Kingdom filled their imagination, and they quarreled over which of them was greatest (Luke 22:24). In response, the Light reminded them that true greatness is found in service: \u201cthe greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves\u201d (Luke 22:26).<\/span><\/p>

How about the early Christians?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

First-century believers were little different from the pre-Pentecost disciples. For example, the Corinthian church was rife with ego-driven sins. Paul rebuked them as \u201cworldly\u2014mere infants in Christ\u201d (1 Cor. 3:1). Jealousy and quarreling divided them into factions\u2014Paul, Apollos, or others\u2014turning loyalty into rivalry. Spiritual gifts also became a source of pride, but Paul cut through their boasting with a stark reminder: \u201cIf I\u2026 do not have love, I am nothing\u201d (1 Cor. 13:2).<\/span><\/p>

But we, 21st-century Christians, are better than the early Christians. No?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This very question, however, betrays a deep-seated boasting over other Christians\u2014an attitude the Light would rebuke.”<\/span><\/p>

In what ways might we seek glory and honor?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Human nature has not changed. Like in the first century, we still find subtle ways to use religion for self-promotion\u2014often without realizing it\u2014taking pride in preaching, teaching, serving, or even claiming special spiritual experiences. Few today are as blatant as the Pharisees, yet each of us carries a measure of Pharisaism; the tyranny of ego and the lure of material gain still shape our motives more than we admit.<\/span><\/p>

How can I know if I am being influenced by money and my ego?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

This is a question every believer must ask. Honest self-reflection\u2014guided by a few searching questions\u2014can help uncover hidden motives.<\/span><\/p>