The Light of the Body

I took this picture in the Sacred Grove

In 3 Nephi13:22, as well as Matthew 6:22 it reads: "The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light." And then in D & C 88:11, "And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings."

I've always been intrigued with light and how it plays into our makeup and the Gospel Plan. The 88 section of the Doctrine and Covenants teaches us a lot about this light. We are told that Christ is "the light of truth." (verse 6) He is also the "light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made... the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made... the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which it was made." (verses 7-9) Verse 11 says, "And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings."

Science has recently discovered that the human body literally glows, emitting a visible light in extremely small quantities. This research was conducted by a group of scientists in Japan. They learned through their research that the body emits visible light, 1,000 times less intense than the levels to which our naked eyes are sensitive. They also discovered that faces glowed more than the rest of the body. Matter of fact, the part of the body that emitted the greatest light were the eyes. Interesting how scripture indicates that "the light of the body is the eye."

So what significance does light play in our life, and especially as it pertains to the Gospel and our relationship with our Savior? It plays a very vital and important part. In verse 67 of section 88 it says, "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things."

So as we live the commandments, with an eye single to the glory of God, we grow in light. As we grow in light, over time our bodies become sanctified (verse 68). And as we become sanctified we "shall see Him; for He will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in His own time, and in His own way, and according to His own will." (verse 68)

So living the commandments brings us closer to the Lord, increases our ability to comprehend all things, and eventually brings us into the presence of the Lord.

What a great goal for each of us. So it is important to keep our lives clean. Focus on truth and light. As we do so, we shall see the face of God.

"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass hat every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am." (D&C 93:1)

Love,

Dad