Live as Children of Light

Recently while reading my One Year Bible, a verse “jumped out at me.” It is Isaiah 21:11 that states: “Watchman, what of the night?” Or “Watchman, what is left of the night?”

This reminded me that we as Christians must be lights in this dark world. We do not know when the Lord Jesus will return. Our challenge is to “walk (live) as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) to influence those around us while we have time. Then verses 9 and 10 follow: “(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”

Because of our ministry, Brant and I travel overseas often – many times to Eastern European countries. Brant always packs his “torch” or little flashlight. He knows that we might sleep in a place that isn’t “en suite” as far as a bathroom is concerned. Sometimes he has stayed in homes where the “facility” was a path out back. His trusty little light keeps him from stumbling or breaking his neck in the middle of the night.

The amazing thing about light is that it chases away the darkness. We can be sleeping in the darkest room and yet when Brant’s little “torch” comes on at 3 AM, I am sure there is a freight train coming! : )

The verses in Ephesians tell us that we as Christians should walk or live as children of light. What do you think that means? How can we walk as children of light and help to chase away some of darkness in our corners of the world? The obvious answer would be that you need a source of light to be a light. Can we, in ourselves, have the light to dispel the darkness?  Verse 8 answers our question: “You are light in the Lord.”

Moses met alone with the Lord on the mountain and received the Ten Commandments.

The Bible records in Exodus 34:29 what happened: “(Moses) was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” Because he had been with the Lord, talking with Him, enjoying His presence, learning from Him, Moses’ countenance was even changed. He reflected the Light that he had encountered.

Daily we should ask God to show us how these qualities of “goodness, righteousness, and truth” can shine as light through us.

A good way to start each day is to meditate on the meaning of Psalm 143:8: “Let the Morning bring me word of Your unfailing  love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.”

We might feel that our spheres of influence are very small, but one way you and I can live as children of light is through the encouraging words we speak. The Apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 16:24 that his friends “refreshed my spirit.” I am sure they spoke encouraging words to him.

Our light can also help to drive away the heavy sadness in our friends who are sorrowing – through a card or a hug. On any ordinary day, we can have an uncomplaining spirit when we are delayed in the check-out line or frustrated with circumstances at home or work . Most of all, we show that we are children of light when we share the story of Jesus the Light of the world with others. We share with our family and friends that only “goodness, righteousness, and truth” can be found in placing our trust in Jesus Christ. This is truly living as children of light.

So…as Kathy Troccoli sings in one of my favorite songs:

Go light your world... today.

--Maylou Holladay