"Do you think that just believing there’s one God is going to get you anywhere?
The demons believe that, too, and it terrifies them!"
James 2:19 — The Voice
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How Do You See Yourself?
“I’m a good person,” we often say. Perhaps we donate to charity, give up our seat for an elderly passenger on the bus, or offer a kind word when someone looks downcast. And these are good, important things. But what if we look deeper? What lies beneath these outward gestures of goodness?
There’s a sobering conversation in John 3 between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus. They talk about judgment — and as a foregone conclusion, condemnation. It’s not a comfortable discussion. But let’s look closely at a small part of it. Here’s a version of that passage from The Voice Bible:
“Why does God allow for judgment and condemnation?” Jesus asks. Then continues, “Because the Light, sent from God, pierced through the world’s darkness to expose ill motives, hatred, gossip, greed, violence, and the like. Still some people preferred the darkness over the light because their actions were dark. Some of humankind hated the light.”
That’s a jarring truth to take in. The words draw a clear picture — two choices before every one of us: Light or darkness. And this isn’t about surface-level goodness or manners. It’s deeper. It’s an invitation to hold ourselves up to the light and let it show us who we really are.
You might say, “That’s for other people; people who hate or hurt.” But the passage reminds us that darkness can be subtle. Ill motives, gossip, hatred, greed — these can hide even behind a kind smile or a weekly visit to church. The issue is not about the appearance of being good; it’s about what we allow to live unchallenged in our hearts.
And that can feel uncomfortable. Even for those who have been part of a faith community for years, who feel they are “saved” simply by attending church, a Kingdom Hall, or a house meeting, there can be a false sense of security. Going through motions isn’t a cure for darkness. It’s what we do with the light that matters.
This is a call for self-scrutiny, not condemnation. It’s an opportunity. A chance to recognize where we might still “love the dark,” however subtly, and to make a move toward something better. Many pray but never feel God’s presence; often, that’s because they haven’t yet opened the hidden corners of their hearts to the light.
So, let this be an encouragement. The light is here, waiting. It’s an invitation to live in the light fully and to face those hidden places honestly and make room for a deeper kind of goodness, one that shines through our hearts as well as our hands.
Of course, here’s a warm and practical concluding thought you could add to the end of the essay:
Are we willing to pray to God like one person who was willing to say, “Search me, and show me where my heart still leans toward the dark.”
That kind of prayer opens the way for real change. It’s not about wallowing in guilt or fear of condemnation; it’s about stepping into the light with a heart that’s ready to grow.
Perhaps this week, take a quiet moment to reflect and ask yourself, “What habits, thoughts, or attitudes have I overlooked or excused that don’t belong in the light?” Write them down if it helps. Then, one by one, offer them up in prayer, choosing to let God’s light exposes and heals.
And don’t walk this path alone. Reach out to someone you trust: a mentor, a close friend — someone who can encourage you as you move toward the light. Transformation is a process, and every small, sincere step matters. You can contact me at when2aregathered@proton.me if you need any support.
Remember, the light is not there to shame you; it’s there to set you free. The very fact you’re seeking it is proof that your heart is open. That’s where change begins.
Scriptures taken from The Voice Bible.
Copyright © 2012 by Ecclesia Bible Society.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.