8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. (Ephesians 5:8-14)
but now you are light in the lord. Walk as children of light . . . Have you ever gone out for a summer walk or spend an evening by the bonfire? The light that comes from your flashlight or fire does something interesting. It always seems to draw attention. Whether it is from bugs or from your friend trying to find their wallet under the cloak of night, light is noticeable and attractive to others. As children of light, the way we live – our decisions and manner in which we conduct ourselves – is highly visible. We no longer have the luxury of hiding from the culture around us. Now more than ever, we are on display for all to see. Fairly or not, this is the burden we are to carry.
This is to be a privilege. As light carriers, we bring the message of God into the dark corridors of a hurting world. The light gains momentum when it is surrounded by deep darkness. The darker the world, the more pronounced and attractive the light. So while we never act to earn favor from a God who already approves us, we do make decisions based on how this world will best be served.
Lord, give us the courage and resolve to be children of light in this world. May the foreign way we conduct ourselves attract others to your gospel. May it always communicate who we serve and who we love.
Matt simon blog 