Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. — John 3:20
Jesus Christ knew what He was talking about.
And now, it turns out, civic officials around the nation are learning similar lessons.
It worked in Great Bend and now it’s working in Los Angeles, too.
As the Associated Press reported:
“Hanging out late on dangerous gang turf is generally a bad idea. Even so, after 10 p.m. on a recent Wednesday night, a city park near Watts is bustling with kids, silhouetted by bright lights.
“Authorities are not only happy to see the nocturnal activity they are paying millions of dollars to make it happen.
“The youngsters are out as part a newly expanded anti-gang initiative that has been credited with drastic crime reductions.
“So important is the Summer Night Lights program that cash-strapped Los Angeles is expanding it even as it makes deep cuts elsewhere. This year, 32 parks are bathed in light until midnight from Wednesday to Saturday.
“While crime is down across the city, the decreases in the program areas surpass that overall rate.”
Years ago, increased lighting in the city square helped to curb illegal activity and vandalism around the courthouse in downtown Great Bend.
Increased lighting has also been important in our parks.
And police continue to urge that better lighting makes safer neighborhoods.
Property crimes, especially, are more common in areas where the perpetrators cannot easily be seen.
As we read in the Bible: Everyone who does evil hates the light.
That ought to be enough reason to make sure there’s plenty of it around.
— Chuck Smith