Time to Curse the Darkness

Way back in 1907, British Wesleyan preacher William L. Watkinson observed that “It is far better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Those words have been incorrectly attributed to everyone from Eleanor Roosevelt to Confucius to many non-profit charities.

Watkinson’s simple phrase resonates with most of us—especially Christians—and encourages us to do positive works here on Earth rather than simply whine or bemoan poverty, injustice, and other ills without doing all within our power to serve our risen Lord in this fallen world. We know that God ultimately invites us to surrender to Him—in both repentance and faith—in the days before His final judgment comes.This brings me to Prestonwood Baptist Church in the Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas. Since 1989, Prestonwood’s senior pastor Jack Graham has led what is acknowledged as one of America’s largest and most dynamic congregations…which has grown under his leadership from 8,000 in 1989 to over 49,000 members today (including me, my wife, and our daughter.) It’s life, online community draws worshippers from all over …