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When we have a new idea or understand something we previously didn’t, we often use the phrase, ‘the light went on in my brain’. Similarly, the phrase, ‘come to light’ means new facts were found and understood.  We may even be able to ‘shed light’ on something that someone else does not know.

These idioms all have their grounding in the understanding that something true and factual is like light in darkness. It helps to deeper understand where we are and where we have come from in order to progress our journey in life.

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, is the light of the world, for He is full of Grace and truth (see John 1:14). He is the light that is required as the life for the world. John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

What does the quote from Peter above have to do with knowing the truth of Jesus, as the light of the world, who is able to shed light on eternal life? Peter saw the age of reason we live in because human nature has been consistent throughout humanity. Our ability to understand the truth and be mindful of the light is impacted by our ability to control our natural thoughts and requires a cleansing of the mind. To be ignorant is to not grasp some knowledge or understanding and we all journey through life with varying levels of genuine ignorance. But to be willingly ignorant is to deliberately stay uninformed even when the knowledge we require is available. It is a choice.

In this example, the Apostle Peter refers to the account of the beginning of the world. The only authority present at that time and the only valid eyewitness has given knowledge of that beginning in His words to Moses recorded in the Book of Genesis. Peter goes on to describe how the knowledge of that beginning, including the worldwide flood, gives substance to that which we see around us today. It helps us to shed light on what we can see as evidence of where we came from and ultimately it helps us to understand where we are going.

The irony of choosing to be ‘willingly ignorant’ is contained in that Genesis account, for it also tells us of Eve’s desire to know and understand like God with the result being the exact opposite. So great was the separation of mankind from God that we now must learn of Christ.

Thankfully, with Christ’s victory, the capacity to access the light of understanding is now in place.  Will we choose to turn on the light switch in our life or willingly remain in darkness? The choice is still ours today.