Seeing the light generally sounds like a good thing.  Of course, there’s the proverbial light at the end of a tunnel.  Most are delighted to see the light of day after a dark night.  And finally “seeing the light” after stumbling about in confusion or a lack of understanding is also considered a positive.

But whether seeing the light is actually a good thing or not depends entirely upon the light that one is seeing.  What if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train?  What if the light breaking through the darkness is the light of a prowler?  What if the light seen in confusion or ignorance happens to be poor advice or faulty “wisdom?”  The source of the light matters.

The light seen also matters to moths.  Moths and many other winged insects happen to be positively phototactic.  (Phototaxis being the scientific term.)  These type of insects are drawn toward light sources.

Phototaxis happens to be a two-way street.  It’s great when the light seen by the insect is the moon or stars as they apparently aid the moth in maintaining its bearing and sustaining safe travel.  But it’s rather unfortunate if the light seen is a campfire, a hot light bulb, or a glaring headlight on a speeding semi.

It could be said that humans are also positively phototactic.  We are drawn to “light.”  But … what is the source of the light we are frantically circling around?

Make no mistake about it, there are an abundance of “lights” in this world that draw people’s attention.  Charismatic leaders.  The brilliance of science.  The practicality of education.  The possibilities in occupation.  The promises in politics.  The benefits of health, wealth and general success.  Personal pleasure.  Public causes.  And so many more. 

While there’s nothing necessary bad about any of these “lights” in and of themselves, they are ultimately empty, and they leave the seekers of such light empty and dark inside.  Unfortunately, these false lights seem to blaze brilliantly, pulling phototactic people alluringly in.  But there is no authentic light to them.

If these are the primary lights a person is drawn to in life, this becomes a double tragedy.  Not only can these brilliantly bright (but ultimately empty) lights inevitably prove spiritually fatal, but they completely discombobulate lives even before the untimely death.  Like a moth flapping frantically around a porch light and bashing itself repeatedly into the blazing bulb.

How does a discombobulated human circling about a worldly porch light approach life?  Well, deep down they recognize the emptiness and darkness in their soul, and this fosters frustration, fear, distrust, anxiety, anger, grief, hopelessness, hostility and despair.  Consequently they flutter in never-ending spirals of live-for-the-moment activities and driven-by-emotion responses.  Their words and actions don’t need to make sense to anyone else, or even necessarily to themselves, since so much seems senseless anyway. 

In short, the light seekers see and are focused intently on a light, but it’s the wrong light.  And sadly, their light is providing nothing but blindness, headaches, loss of direction and a seemingly meaningless existence.

A horrible thing was done by a Minneapolis policeman to an African-American man.  Suddenly the fear, distrust, anxiety, anger, grief, hopelessness, hostility and despair that false lights foster boiled over in many.  Coupled with the frustrations of on-going racism and pandemic restrictions, pandemonium broke out in cities around the United States.

Most of us simply can’t understand how one wrong, horrible as it was, (or even repeated wrongs!), can make multiple other wrongs right in some people’s minds.  We struggle to relate to the rationale of rioters looting stores and lighting cars ablaze.  How does intentionally attempting to injure innocent people ever make sense?  Is screaming vulgarities ever justified?  Will violence and vandalism quell violence?  Will it remove racism?  It seems to make no sense. 

Why does a moth repeatedly beat its head into a light?  Positive phototaxis.  It sees the light and is inexorably drawn to it, even if it’s the wrong light. 

The reason we don’t understand the rationale of rioters is because we see the real, true and ultimate Light.  Thanks be to God, we have been drawn to “the Light of the world.”  This is no small thing!  Jesus stated that, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).  Translation: in our Savior we have true and abiding light … spiritual light and life … both here on earth and forever in eternity.

In striking contrast to false lights, the Light of the World brings contentment, courage, trust, peace, calm, joy, hope, kindness and confidence.  By the grace of God, we see the Light and our flight through life – and to life – is true.

So as we consider the vandalous and violent mobs in Seattle and other cities, it’s crucial that we not view those involved simply as thugs.  Better that we recognize them as hurting and empty souls chasing after false lights.  They desperately need to see the light … the real Light.

Which underscores the incredible urgency that we, who see the Light and are filled with Light, show and share the Light.  As Jesus himself tells us:  “You are the light of the world.  Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”  (Matthew 5:14,16).

After all, people, just like moths, are positively phototactic.  So shine, Christian, shine!