Walking in the Light

“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
For this reason it says,
‘Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.’
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:8-16

Even a casual thumbing through of the daily paper or weekly news magazine shows the discerning Christian the contrast between himself and the world - or it should. Things which once were not even questioned (they were simply “wrong” and were not to be done) are now often defended under the guise of “freedom of speech” or “freedom of expression.” But wrong is wrong. Right is right. Darkness is darkness. Light is light. They are what they are, and their qualities and properties are distinct.

Why do you think Paul taught the first century Christians to “walk as children of light”? It is easy to see the graphic illustration of light versus darkness. Where there is an absence of light, you have darkness. Where there is light - even a little light - you no longer have darkness.

Paul did not indicate concern about the intensity of our light but simply said that we are to be light. Paul’s words in these verses are packed full of personal application for every believer. Here are some how to instructions for living the Christian life. Read them. Heed them. Shine your light.

“Let your light shine before men...that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father...” Matthew 5:16