Ephesians 5:7-14
“Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
The light of Christ—the light of truth and righteousness—brings clarity to what is good in our lives. It also brings clarity to what is not good in our lives. The light of Christ exposes us. It reveals the ways in which we are in alignment with God’s standards, and it reveals the ways in which we are out of alignment with God’s standards.
This is the message of Psalm 119.105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The path of God’s people is illuminated and guided by the light of God’s word.
Those who live in darkness don’t want to follow the guidance of Scripture. They do not want to be exposed. They do not want what they do to be revealed by the light. Therefore, they reject Jesus and the truth that he brings.
The statement that Paul makes in Ephesians 5:7 is a powerful truth. “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Our society is steadily descending into darkness. For this reason, the Lord sends us into the world of darkness that we might bring the light of his kingdom. Our mission is to walk in the light so that others might see and experience the kingdom in us.
“He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son …” (Col. 1: 13)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2: 9)
“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13.12)
As you go about your day, be intentional and on-purpose. Let the light shine.
“Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
