Living as Children of Light
Those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour experience a profound transformation from darkness to light. This change is not merely spiritual but also practical, influencing how they live their lives. Christians are expected to reflect God’s goodness and expose evil through righteous actions. This involves separating themselves from worldly darkness, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and actively choosing to do what is good, right, and true.
Christians are called to imitate God, reflecting His character in their daily lives, especially in how they interact with others. In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul urged them to follow God’s example. All believers desire and anticipate the inheritance that awaits them when Jesus Christ returns. They long to be with God forever. In Ephesians 5:5-21, Paul addresses these desires and provides practical guidance on staying on the right path. He emphasizes the importance of living in the light and avoiding any association with darkness.
A person’s lifestyle is greatly influenced by the company they keep. Those who live godly lives today would be entirely different if they had committed themselves to people who routinely disobeyed God. It is easy to claim, “Nothing can move me,” but in reality, we are all susceptible to influence if we expose ourselves too much. Learning to walk as a child of light involves understanding that the people we associate with matter significantly. At one time, we were in darkness, but now we are light, and we must walk in that light. We cannot maintain the same friendships we had when we were in darkness. If we remain closely attached to people of darkness, they may drag us into condemnation.
The Bible warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). This verse highlights the dangers of associating with those who lead us away from God.
It is important to make a clear distinction between friendship with sinful people and showing mercy to weak, sinful individuals. Jesus dined with sinners because they were spiritually sick, and He knew He could impact them with love and mercy. However, there is no record of Him having a close friend or advisor who was a habitual sinner or scoffed at God. Additionally, He instructed the apostles to leave towns filled with stubborn people who refused to change. While we should not shun sinners who seek mercy, we must also avoid becoming intimate with those who consistently plan and commit evil. Wisdom is needed to discern this difference.
The Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). This passage serves as a reminder of the dangers of aligning ourselves with those who lead us away from God.
We get into trouble when we follow the counsel of the ungodly, stand on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. It is crucial to examine our lives today. Are we in any partnership with people who are leading us into sin? For the sake of our eternity, we must run from such associations. We cannot be partners with those who drag us into condemnation.
Practical Steps for Walking in Light
To walk as children of light, consider the following steps:
- Evaluate your relationships: Reflect on the people you spend time with and assess whether they encourage or hinder your spiritual growth.
- Seek godly counsel: Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you to live according to God’s Word.
- Avoid temptation: Stay away from situations and environments that may lead you to sin.
- Pray for discernment: Ask God for wisdom to recognize the difference between those who need mercy and those who are resistant to change.
- Stay rooted in Scripture: Regularly read and meditate on the Bible to strengthen your faith and guide your actions.
By making these choices, we can ensure that we are walking in the light and reflecting God’s goodness in our lives. Let us continue to grow in our faith and remain faithful to the calling of Christ.
