The Christian Walk
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
The contrast between light and darkness is used in Scripture to describe the difference between good and evil, faith and unbelief, and our Savior and Satan. John, for instance, writes: “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5b-7)
Paul reminds us about the side of that divide on which we once stood: “You were once darkness.” Scripture reminds us how we all arrived in this world when it records David’s confession which is common for us all: “I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5 NIV) In view of God’s grace, however, all has changed! Paul says, “Now you are light in the Lord.” Peter likewise proclaims: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
That being the case, Paul urges us to “walk as children of light!” Light exposes darkness and at the same time disposes of darkness! The light of God’s love exposes for us Christ’s presence, power, and promises, all of which enrich and enable our lives. At the same time God’s love disposes of our sin, guilt, and shame. The light of God’s love within us disposes of our uncertainties, worries, and fears, so that we might serve our Savior with joy and gladness. We can walk as children of light with confidence because Jesus walks beside us!
Dear Father in heaven, continue to enlighten our souls with the truths of Your Word, so that we might walk as children of light, so that those still walking in darkness might be drawn to Your light and given true hope in this sin-darkened world. Amen.