As Children Of Light

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light….

Ephesians 5:3-8

In his practical application of what it means to be ‘in Christ,’ Paul is very specific regarding how being in Christ will affect our behavior.  We have recorded a large passage which precedes our text for today. We ought to consider carefully the behavior this passage describes because it is in contrast to what it means to walk in love.  As Paul describes this behavior he brings us to the conclusion that we ‘were once darkness, but now… are light in the Lord,’ and then adds ‘Walk as children of light.’  It has been the work of God that has transformed us from being ‘darkness’ to being ‘light in the Lord.’  It is this same God Who by His Spirit will enable us to ‘die more and more unto sin and to live unto righteousness.’  This is what it means to ‘walk as children of light.’  We find ourselves surrounded by darkness.  That darkness, as it increases will make the light more apparent.  If we ‘walk as children of light,’ we should understand that this contrast will become more apparent as the days grow darker.  As we look to Christ, the Light of the world, and grow to be like Him, He will make use of us to show Himself to others.  What we desire more than anything else is that by our walking as children of light others might be attracted to Christ.

O God of Grace and Truth,
we rejoice that You have brought us
out of darkness into light.
We praise You that by the work of Your Spirit,
You will enable us every day
to walk more consistently as children of light.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning