This week’s devotions are based on Week 8 of the Series Ephesians: Becoming Who You Are (CLICK HERE)
From day one of creation the “And God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)
contrast between light and darkness has existed. Ironically, the reality of darkness was part of a perfect world which God created. God knew that for the life he would create, a pattern of darkness and light would be important and necessary for living beings to thrive. Darkness was a time of rest and light would be a time of activity and life.
But while the importance of darkness hasn’t changed as far as rhythms of life, the cover of darkness has taken on a sinister role when sin entered the world. From that point on, the Scripture often uses the contrast between dark and light as a picture for that which is of sin and Satan (darkness) and that which is of God (light).
As we continue our journey through the book of Ephesians, this week’s focus invites us to recognize the difference between a life lived under the influence of darkness and a life lived under the influence of Light. As Paul encourages us to “live as children of light” he provides many examples of the contrast. For our devotion this morning, I invite you to make your own comparison list between activities and mindsets that are of darkness and those that are of light based on Ephesians 4:17-5:20.
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Apply: Make a chart on a piece of paper. Label one column: “Living as a child of darkness” and the other column “Living as a child of light” Identify behaviors and mindsets that fit into these categories. Notice the clear and stark difference between the two. Pray for God’s Spirit to help you live more and more as a child of light.
Prayer: Lord in all things and every day help me to live as a child of your light! AMEN.