Beech Tree News Network

“The early church didn’t say, ‘Look what the world is coming to!’ They said, ‘Look what has come into the world’!” - Carl F. H. Henry

What HAS come into the world? Light. John pointed to the Light. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the Light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:6-9). Jesus is the true light, saying, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). And Jesus expected His followers to reflect His light in this dark world. Paul wrote, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8). Those “in the Lord” are to “walk as children of light.” But how do we do that? What does it look like to walk in light?

We imitate God and humbly live like His children. We must walk in love, sacrificially like Christ walked in love. And we must walk in thanksgiving. To walk in light, we must give some things up. There is no place for sexual immorality or greed among God’s children. Filthy language and crude joking are also out of place. In fact, there is no inheritance in the kingdom of God for those who walk in impurity. Don’t let anyone fool you. Because of these things the wrath of God awaits the disobedient (Eph. 5:1-6).

Walking in light, we cannot be aligned with those who live in darkness. Yes, we were once in darkness, but no longer. We have come to the Light. We are in the Light and we must walk as children of light. Our lives must produce the fruit of light, things that are good, right, and true, as we learn and do what is pleasing to the Lord. Not only do we have no part in the shameful works of darkness, we have a responsibility to expose them. Whether by speaking out against darkness or by refusing to participate in its deeds, our light will make it visible. Look around at this dark world. There is much to do. We can’t waste time grumbling or complaining. We better wake up and get to walking in light (Eph. 5:7-14).

Why? Why must we walk as children of light? “That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (Eph. 5:15-16). We walk in light to keep ourselves pure and to show light to those around us in darkness. We walk in light by “holding fast to the word of life.” We walk as children of light looking forward to the day of Christ, when all our deeds will be exposed.

Don’t just say, ‘Look what the world is coming to!’ Remember Light has come into the world, and we have a role to play. God’s people shining His light, exposing darkness, and transforming themselves and others through the power of God’s word! Walk as children of Light. 

Bob McPherson lives in Warren County, but spends as much time as possible in Butler County. He preaches for the Eastside Church of Christ in Bowling Green. He can be reached at [email protected]