When the devil was cast out of Heaven, he brought spiritual darkness and everything that it represents along with him to the earth. God then created mankind to serve as bearers of light on earth and gave man a mandate to illuminate the whole world with His glory (Genesis 1:28) Through the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the devil succeeded in putting out the light of God in man, thereby infusing him with his own darkness (Ephesians 5:. The devil stole the power over this world which God had given to man, and he now wields it as the power of darkness (Luke 4:6, Luke 22:53). However, those who have received Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, into their lives have been delivered from this power of darkness and been handed the keys to a kingdom far greater than that which was given to Adam (Colossians 1:13). The presence of darkness in this world is therefore due to spiritual factors, and not physical ones. Although man is not liable for the presence of darkness in this world, he will be held accountable if he chooses to embrace darkness instead of light. John 3:19 reveals why mankind embraces darkness, and consequences of this choice. From this insight, the unimaginable level of atrocities carried out in this world under the cover of darkness should therefore be of no surprise.

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and He is hated by those who are under manipulation of the power of darkness. Why do people of this world hate Jesus Christ, considering the benefits that light brings to mankind? The devil, his cohorts and evil men of this world do not only represent darkness, they are darkness personified. Jesus Christ, being the Light that came purposely not only to expose darkness but also to exterminate it, is therefore bound to be hated. Whoever decides to love Jesus Christ and reflect His light is also bound to be hated. Each of us must choose where we belong: the company of the Light or the company of darkness, What is your own choice today? Whichever you choose has its rewards and consequence. I encourage you to embrace Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Embracing Him means renouncing all hidden works of darkness in your life (1st Corinthians 6:9-10). You need to confess and forsake them as the Holy Spirit convicts you of them all. You will be forgiven and set free from all the consequences associated with them. May God bless you as you take this decision for Christ today. 
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.