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A reader asked me to continue elaborating on the total solar eclipse idea I did last time because several other things happen in the specific area of the globe when the darkest part of the shadow occurs. In the previous blog, I suggested the moon’s shadow could represent an individual encountering a dark cloud or problem. So, this time, let’s look at how the whole region within the total shadow is affected.

In a total solar eclipse, the moon blocks the solar radiation from reaching Earth. Since solar radiation is a crucial driver of our weather on Earth, the total shadow blocking the sunlight from a small area of the globe affects that region in several ways. In the path of totality, the temperature will drop 5-20 degrees. The reduction of solar radiation causes a small temporary wind change and even dissipates cumulus clouds in the shadow area.

Picture the area of the moon’s shadow on Earth representing “the spot on Earth where we live as well as our culture in that area.”

If we, Christ’s followers, are cut off from the healing illumination of being present in the “light” of the Son of God, even that temporary reduction of “His Light” flowing into our lives can “reduce the temperature” of our culture. Not only does it affect us individually, but those around us. How so? If we are not receiving “His light,” then we will not be reflecting “His light” to others, i.e., as the church of Jesus Christ is on fire for Him, it impacts the culture. However, if the church has cooled, its impact on the culture will likewise cool.

Consequently, when we grumble about “where our culture is going,” it’s like we’re complaining about being in the shadow of the total eclipse on our “bit of the earth.” The Romans 1:18-32 passage describes our little spot on the globe where people are not receiving the “Light of Christ” flowing into their lives. Consequently, the surrounding “cultural temperature” has gone down. It indicates that when we are not glorifying our Creator God and expressing our thanksgiving to Him, our culture experiences a “temperature drop” because of the loss of “His Light.”

Did you notice that April 22 was Earth Day? Since 1970, it has become an annual event demonstrating support for environmental protection. However, the U.N. has started calling it Mother Earth Day, which reveals the true nature of the day and exalts the Spirit of Gaia. The Spirit of Gaia demands we worship the Earth as a living, breathing entity, complete with emotions and needing a world government to protect her. There are three dominant religions proclaiming the supremacy of their deity over the Earth: Christianity (Jesus), Islam (Allah), and Paganism (Gaia/Mother Earth). 

From the Christian perspective, the apostle Paul warned in Romans 1:18–32 of the dangers of worshiping the “god” of this world (Gaia, in this instance) instead of the true Creator God. Does this have any significance for me? I am mistaken if I think my life and decisions do not affect the larger picture. Minor violations of God’s ethical or moral standards have significant consequences.

Picture two 1.5-quart-clear-glass cylinders filled with pure water. Let each water cylinder represent the purity of one person’s heart and soul. We will leave one for comparison and add four drops of black ink to the other. Each drop represents each time I make a minor violation of God’s ethical or moral standards.  

What might some of those little violations be?

“Tell her I’m not here because I don’t want to talk to her.” (1 drop)

“If anyone asks, tell them I was here all day.” (1 drop)

“I’ll only do it this once, and no one will ever know. It can’t be wrong because everyone else is doing it.” (1 drop)

“No, officer, I couldn’t possibly have been driving that fast because I never go over the speed limit.” (1 drop)

Undoubtedly, we can each think of at least four minor violations of God’s ethical or moral standards that we’ve committed during our lifetime. So, I’ll only place four drops of ink in the water. Does it show?

It may not be as easy to see the difference between the two water columns when comparing them with a colored background (the world). Scripture tells us to look to Jesus, not other people. When we compare ourselves to the pure white color, we see the difference even four black drops make.

In a world where wealth and power often compete with ethics, how many will resist temptation and stay true to moral principles—especially when the “winds of adversity” and “clouds in our sky” seem to lessen if we merely step away (just a bit) from Christ’s teachings? 

Some have soft-pedaled moral or ethical issues, but shouldn’t we step back, take stock, repent, and renew our commitment to Jesus Christ? The weakness of “will” ultimately leads to weakness of body, weakness of soul, and weakness of communities.

The above water/ink photos illustrate what happens to the individual who compromises his morality or ethics. The temperature change during a total solar eclipse represents the result when we no longer reflect the light of Christ on those around us, and our surrounding culture cools.

Let these images remind us of our responsibility to guard our spiritual life and the body of Christ (the Church) because we affect our little piece of the planet. Let’s wrap our arms of prayer around each other to strengthen each other so we will reflect the glory of Christ to a hurting world that is unprepared for whatever the future may hold.

Ps 96:13 …for He (the LORD) is coming, for He is coming to judge the Earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.  (NKJV)