What practical steps can we take to live as children of light? Revelation 21:25—Light Without Night “Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there.” When God unveils the New Jerusalem, darkness is gone forever. That coming reality invites us to start living now as people who belong to that city—children of light. What Does It Mean to Be Children of Light? • We have been rescued from darkness and transferred to Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13). • Light now defines our identity: “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). • Our calling is to reflect God’s own purity, truth, and joy so vividly that a watching world can taste the coming day when “there will be no night.” Practical Steps for Walking in the Light • Keep close to the Source – John 8:12: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” – Set aside daily, unhurried time in Scripture and prayer. Light fills the room when the switch is on; our hearts light up when fellowship with Jesus is uninterrupted. • Expose, don’t excuse, hidden sin – 1 John 1:7: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” – Practice quick confession. Bring struggles into trusted accountability relationships. Darkness loses power when dragged into daylight. • Choose transparency in relationships – Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” – Speak honest words, own mistakes, give truthful feedback with grace. Children of light have nothing to hide. • Illuminate your surroundings with good works – Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Look for everyday acts of kindness, integrity at work, generosity to neighbors. Good deeds are lamps God uses to guide others home. • Filter entertainment and input – Psalm 101:3: “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” – Evaluate movies, music, social media, and conversations: Do they brighten or dim your love for Christ? Keep what fuels light; discard what feeds shadows. • Stay alert and sober‐minded – 1 Thessalonians 5:5–6: “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” – Guard against spiritual drowsiness by regular fellowship, corporate worship, and serving. The community of believers keeps the lamps trimmed. • Wear the wardrobe of light – Romans 13:12: “Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” – Consciously “dress” in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). These virtues gleam in a dark culture. The Future Shapes the Present The gates of the coming city never close because darkness never returns. Keep that picture vivid. Let the certainty of perpetual daylight energize every choice today. One day night will be gone; until then, live so brightly that people around you catch a glimpse of that endless morning. |
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