Perfectly adapted to the desert environment, a scorpion can blend into its surroundings unseen by its prey until the deadly strike of venom paralyzes unsuspecting victims. While the bark scorpion is common, the venom of the devil scorpion is among the most potent toxins in the insect world. Living in the Arizona desert, we discovered that scorpions seek the tiniest cracks and crannies of our homes. They blend into earth-toned walls, ceilings, tiles and carpets, lying in wait to sting with searing, shocking results.
To combat this menace in our home, we employ a black light. In a darkened room against the glow of this special light, no scorpion can hide its true nature. The devil scorpion glows bright yellow under the focus of the light. Armed with special light, we expose the danger.
Once exposed, even a scorpion is no match for a good shoe and a determined desire to protect the family. But the special light cannot operate effectively unless all distractions are eliminated: the glare of the TV, the flash of the radio and DVR, and the alluring, false light of inappropriate internet sites.
So it is with the protecting, special light of the Holy Ghost. In order to expose the devil’s poison, we must seek true light undiluted by the distractions of the world. “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…” (D&C 88:11).
Christ is one with the Holy Ghost and is the special “light which shines in the darkness” (John 1:5). Sadly, the natural man is the devil’s most willing victim – “an enemy to God…unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit…” (Mosiah 3:19). The best protection we have from the devil’s toxin is the pure light that exposes his corrupt nature.
Eliminating the toxin of distractions is not easy, especially when the allure of the world saps our focus away from seeking the Spirit. Consider our focus on sacrament meetings and gospel classes: Elder A. Roger Merrill reminded us that: “When we focus…on seeking and receiving the Spirit, we become less concerned about a teacher or speaker holding our attention and more concerned about giving our attention to the Spirit” (Roger A Merrill, “Receiving By The Spirit,” Ensign, November, 2006).
Elder Maxwell has said: “Many individuals preoccupied by the cares of the world are not necessarily in transgression. But they certainly are in diversion and thus waste “the days of (their) probation” (Neal A. Maxwell, “The Tugs and Pulls of the World,” Liahona, January, 2001, emphasis added; see also 2 Ne 9:27).
To commune with the Holy Ghost we must follow Christ and keep His commandments to ensure the protecting focus of special light. “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole body shall be filled with light…” (D&C 88:67). According to Elder Bruce R. McKonkie, the companionship of the Holy Ghost “…is the greatest gift that mortal man can enjoy” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 359).
Elder Keith McMullen has said, “That which is received of him (the Holy Ghost) has a more powerful effect upon the soul than anything else received in any other way” (Keith B. McMullin, “Ye May Know,” Ensign, May 1996, p.8). In fact, so precious is the light of the Spirit that even “angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost…” (2 Ne 32:3).
Whether dodging the sting of the devil scorpion or protecting against the toxic distractions of the natural man, special light exposes the danger, reveals true nature, and protects by prevention what no amount of anti-venom can soothe. Eliminate the poison of distractions and seek the protection of special light.
