For a peace officer, a flashlight is an indispensable tool. During my time in law enforcement, I carried one constantly, regardless of the time of day or my specific assignment. In the early days of patrol, before flashlights were miniaturized, my Streamlight always rested between my legs on the driver’s seat. This ensured it was readily available and never left behind when exiting the patrol unit.
As technology advanced, companies like Surefire and others miniaturized flashlights, providing the same candela (light intensity) as the larger lights. This allowed me to carry a powerful light on my duty belt at all times. Eventually, I even had a light developed and mounted to my Sig Sauer. I was, as I saw it, in illumination heaven!
A cop needs to have light available because it is not unusual to find yourself in dark places; whether it’s a building search, homes with blacked-out windows, darkened tunnels, or any number of other low-light environments. Light is important because it defeats darkness every time!
While light and dark are a reality in the physical sense, they are also present spiritually. The Bible provides numerous examples of this. Consider the story where a group of self-righteous men brought a woman caught in the darkness of adultery before Jesus. They reminded him that the Law of Moses commanded stoning. After a brief lesson, Jesus said to the woman, “… go, and from now on sin no more.” He then continued his instruction with the pompous men, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 ESV).
Our eyes will adjust to darkness to allow better sight, but it’s still dark. In a spiritual sense, some people constantly reside in dark places, so they do not see or appreciate the light. The apostle Paul wrote, “… the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV).
If you have friends in dark places, be the light they need to see. Jesus further instructed his followers, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35-37).
While physical light defeats darkness, spiritual illumination will overcome shadows cast by sin!