Mark 4:21-24

Mark 4:21-24 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”

To me this is a very dangerous scripture, if we do not rightly discern it, one that should be considered carefully. Some Christians or Christian organizations may use this scripture on light to justify exposing corruption, sin, and deception in OTHERS. It can be used to criticize, tear apart, and condemn others, for doesn't it say, "For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." However, I believe this message has more do to with oneself than it does about judging someone else's life. If that is true, it corresponds well with the following scriptures: "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you — who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:11) "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2) "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37) Jesus is the light of the World. John chapter 1 reveals that light came into the world, but the world comprehended it not. They did not recognize Jesus as the light, but his very presence and teachings revealed light had come into the world. The demons recognized this immediately. Whatever was concealed or hidden was quickly exposed. The wicked and sinful of this world hated him, for He brought light into their darkened hearts. The Pharisees and the Scribes despised him, for He revealed their whitened sepulcher existence: holy on the outside, corrupt on the inside.

The above scriptures say, “Consider carefully what you hear,” or perhaps better, consider carefully the light you take in and how you use it. For you will be accountable to the light you have received. God will measure your life by that light, and even more. If your life reflects light, even more will be given. If your life displays darkness, even the light you have will be taken away. I put these two teachings together as one because I feel they are related. If the light you have been given is used to destroy, maim, hurt people--if you find your mouth constantly criticizing, judging, tearing down, then you need to consider the fruit of your life, the scope of your personal light. If you are walking in darkness, your life is probably being lived as a depressed person, maybe as a lonely or dysfunctional person. But if your life is is bringing light to people, then your generosity, joy, peace, and the quietness of your spirit will be known to all men. You will be honored by God: He will give you even more light to spread to the world. You will become a brighter light in a dark place. Consequently, your presence will positively reveal darkness and that which is concealed. But if you bring darkness, judgement, and condemnation into every situation, you will be known as a hypocrite and will be judged harshly by the world; and God will judge you by your own words. The world quickly recognizes its own spirit of darkness. Jesus exposed this spirit in the hearts of the Jewish leaders, hearts of corruption and turmoil. But praise God--we are no longer as those who stumble in the dark, who hear and do not obey. First John says if we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, and we have fellowship with one another. As a result, we do consider carefully what we hear, and we do respond as people of the light, children of the Most HIgh. And we let our light shine before all mankind.