How can we live as "children of light" in today's world? Your New Identity: Light in the Lord “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) - Scripture speaks literally: in Christ you do not merely possess light—you ARE light. - The change is decisive and irreversible (2 Corinthians 5:17). - Let this fact silence doubt and shape every decision. Fruit That Proves the Light “for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” (Ephesians 5:9) - Goodness: active, self-giving love that mirrors the Father (Acts 10:38). - Righteousness: choices aligned with God’s standards, not cultural trends (Psalm 119:105). - Truth: honest speech and doctrinal fidelity (Zechariah 8:16; 2 Timothy 2:15). - Fruit never lies; what grows from us reveals the root. Guarding Against the Shadows - “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) - Choose media, conversations, and venues that honor Christ (Psalm 101:3). - Remember: love for the world’s system smothers devotion (1 John 2:15–17). - When sin is unveiled, confess and forsake it immediately (Proverbs 28:13). Shining at Home and Work “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:14–16) - Speak graciously and truthfully in meetings or classrooms (Colossians 4:6). - Serve family members in unnoticed tasks (Philippians 2:3–4). - Keep promises, arrive on time, work “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22). - In a dark culture, even small acts of integrity blaze. Powered by the Spirit “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) - Begin each day in Scripture; His Word gives light (Psalm 119:130). - Obey His promptings without delay (Galatians 5:25). - Stay close to believers who ignite your zeal (Hebrews 10:24–25). - The Spirit supplies both desire and power for holy living (Philippians 2:13). Looking Toward the Dawn “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day… so let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5–6) - Expect Christ’s return; hope fuels purity (1 John 3:2–3). - Evaluate choices by the coming Day when every work will be revealed (1 Corinthians 3:13). - Live alert, confident that “the night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12). |
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