How Far You Go with God Depends on How Close You Are: Exploring the Spectrum of Light

We all know people who think they are close to us. They casually believe they know our hearts, our struggles, and our dreams, but when you really examine the relationship, the intimacy just isn’t there. It’s surface level. It makes you wonder, how many of us approach God in the same way—believing we are close to Him, but not having the depth of relationship He desires?

James 1:17 calls God the “Father of Lights,” and in Genesis 1, God spoke those famous words, “Let there be light.” The foundation and essence of everything that exists in this universe is light. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:5, we are called the “Children of Light.” But, as children, how close are we to our Father of Lights? How much of His light do we reflect in our daily lives? And what does it mean to grow closer to Him?

Let’s explore this idea by comparing our spiritual walk to the spectrum of light—a tool that shows us where we might stand in our journey with God. Are you walking in the full spectrum of His light?

Radio Waves: Distant but Directed

At the farthest end of the spectrum are Radio Waves—they travel vast distances, carrying sound and information across great space. In the spiritual sense, this is where many people start. They are hearers of the Word. They come to church, they listen, they nod along, but their connection to God is more casual. They might be seeking direction, but they’re not yet fully engaged.

Are you in this place—willing to listen, but still far away in terms of intimacy?

Microwave: Sudden Jolts and Nudges

Microwaves travel by line-of-sight. They give us garage door openers, keyless entries, and the ability to zap a meal in seconds. In the spiritual realm, Microwave Christians are those who experience sudden “God moments”—those instances where God nudges you, jolts you, and makes you say, “Whoa, God is speaking to me!” But these moments are sporadic. The connection is still not deep or consistent.

Maybe you’re experiencing those “aha” moments with God but haven’t yet sought to make that connection daily.

Infrared: Hidden Heat and Growing Connection

Next is Infrared—a type of light not visible to the naked eye unless special measures are taken. This type of light is often associated with heat. In the spiritual journey, this represents those who are starting to feel the warmth of God’s presence but it’s not obvious to everyone around them. There are signs of a connection forming, and the heart is beginning to open to a deeper relationship with God.

Psalm 36:9 tells us, “In Your light, we see light.” This stage reveals that you are beginning to see, but there’s more to come.

Visible Light: The Change is Clear

Then we come to Visible Light—the light we can see with our natural eyes. At this stage, there are obvious signs of transformation. People around you begin to notice the changes: new habits, new ways of thinking, maybe even a change in your appearance or actions.

Are you at the point where your walk with God is becoming visible to others?

Ultraviolet: Exposing the Hidden

Ultraviolet Light has a shorter wavelength than visible light and is often associated with exposing what’s hidden. John 3:18-21 talks about how light exposes darkness and sin. At this stage, the reality of your need for a Savior becomes evident. The Word of God begins to expose things in your heart that need transformation.

You start to see spiritual realities and how they affect your everyday life. You realize that there’s more to this life than what’s visible, and you’re beginning to seek that deeper understanding.

X-Ray: Deep Intimacy and the Heart of the Matter

X-rays penetrate deeper, revealing what lies beneath the surface. Hebrews 4:12-13 reminds us that the Word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. At this stage, you’re moving into deep intimacy with God. You’re relational, focusing on worship and the deeper matters of the heart. You’re not just going through the motions—you’re after the things that truly matter to God.

Are you becoming a heart person? Someone who is not just seeking answers but seeking God Himself?

Gamma Rays: Fear of the Lord and Ultimate Sacrifice

At the highest level of the spectrum are Gamma Rays—incredibly powerful but also capable of causing serious damage when not handled carefully. This represents those who have moved into a place of complete reverence and submission to God. You embrace the fear of the Lord and willingly offer yourself as a living sacrifice. You want what He wants. You say what He says. It’s no longer about you—it’s all about Him.

This is where the ultimate vulnerability and sacrifice lie, and where the true power of God’s light begins to transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you.

Are You Walking in the Full Spectrum of His Light?

Where are you on this spectrum? Are you a distant Radio Wave believer, or are you walking in the full light of Jesus? As you go deeper with God, you’ll find that He takes you through stages, each one drawing you closer to Him and revealing more of His light in your life.

Remember the words of Isaiah 60:1-3: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” We are called to shine His light in this world of darkness.

To go deeper, you’ll have to come closer. The question is, are you willing?

Pray:

Father of Lights, draw us nearer. Help us to walk in the full spectrum of Your light. We want to move beyond casual connection to deep intimacy. We want to be a reflection of Your light in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.