Increase the Light

Josiah’s reforms teach that we overcome darkness by filling our lives with more of Jesus Christ.

Scripture:
“And all the people stood to the covenant.”
—2 Kings 23:3

Devotional Thought:
After King Josiah rediscovered the word of God, he began making major changes.

He gathered the people. He read the words of the covenant. The people renewed their commitment to follow the Lord. Then Josiah began removing the idols, false worship, corrupt practices, and spiritual distractions that had pulled the people away from God.

But notice the order.

First, the word of God was found.
Then, the word of God was read.
Then, the people renewed their covenant.
Then, Josiah removed what did not belong.

That order matters.

Sometimes when we want to change, we focus only on what we need to stop doing.

Stop scrolling.
Stop swearing.
Stop comparing.
Stop being angry.
Stop looking at things that drive the Spirit away.
Stop going back to the same habit.

And yes, there are some things we may need to stop.

But Josiah’s story teaches that lasting change often begins by increasing light.

You do not get rid of darkness in a room by yelling at the darkness. You turn on a light.

The same is true spiritually.

We overcome darkness by increasing the light of Jesus Christ. We increase scripture. We increase prayer. We increase worship. We increase honest conversations. We increase time with people who help us feel closer to God. We increase repentance. We increase the influence of the Holy Ghost.

And as light increases, darkness begins to lose power.

That does not mean change is always easy. It does not mean temptation disappears overnight. But when you fill your life with more of the Savior’s light, you begin to see more clearly. You begin to want better things. You begin to have more strength to remove what does not belong.

Jesus Christ does not only help you stop doing wrong things.

He changes your heart.
He fills you with light.
He helps you become free.

Quote:
The Lord taught:

“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light...”
—Doctrine and Covenants 50:24

Reflection:
What is one source of light I could increase in my life this week?

Today’s Challenge:
Before focusing only on what you need to remove, choose one good thing to add. Pray more honestly. Read scripture for five minutes. Listen to uplifting music. Talk to someone you trust. Spend time with people who strengthen your faith. Increase the light, and watch what begins to change.

Get the full 2 Kings 16–25 Come Follow Me for Teens Study & Teaching Guide at joshdowns.com/cfm-resources.