LIGHT FROM THE LORD
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8–10 (NLT)
The Ephesian church had a problem. Not only had they once lived self-centered, immoral lives before they came to Christ, but now false teachers were coming into the church who were telling them that God wanted them to be happy and that freedom in Christ meant it was okay to continue to sin. Paul warned them about these teachers when he said, …We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)
Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of the transformative power of the Gospel. He paints a vivid contrast between their past lives, characterized by darkness, and their present reality, illuminated by the light of Christ. This light not only dispels darkness but also brings about a profound change in their identity and behavior. As recipients of this light, they are called to live in accordance with its nature—radiating goodness, righteousness and truth.
Just as darkness flees in the presence of light, so too should the remnants of our former selves fade away in the brilliance of Christ's presence. The light within us isn't passive; it actively produces what is good, right, and true. It guides our thoughts, words and actions, shaping us into vessels of God's love and grace. As we abide in this light, we become beacons of hope and transformation in a world shrouded in darkness.
Living as people of light involves intentionality and discernment, yet many Christians miss out on the insight made available by the light of God’s Spirit. Paul urges us to carefully determine what pleases the Lord, aligning our lives with His will and purposes. This involves a continual process of renewal and growth as we surrender our desires and preferences to God's perfect plan. It's a journey marked by obedience, humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit to illuminate our path.
APPLICATION: Reflect on the light we've received from the Lord. Are there areas of our lives still entangled in darkness? Let's invite the light of Christ to penetrate every corner of our hearts, exposing sin and bringing about repentance and healing.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the light of Christ that has transformed our lives. Help us to live as people of light, radiating Your love and truth to a world in need. Give us the wisdom and discernment to carefully determine what pleases You in all we do. May our lives bring glory to Your name.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?