This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. – 1 John 1:5
Have you ever journeyed on a dark road? A few years ago, I was journeying on a street with family members at night traveling back home from visiting relatives in a small town. This particular street didn’t have any light poles, so it was extremely dark. It was frightening being in such a place and confusing to know the direction to go. Being on that dark road, we didn’t know if anyone would harm us or what we would be exposed. However, when we finally arrived on a lighted path, we felt relief. The light exposed our surroundings. The light felt safe.
It is significant that God is described as light. God is pure, holy, good. He exposes darkness, but there is no darkness in Him.
In a passage in Revelations, we see how God will be our light in heaven. There will be no need for sun or lamps, but the Lord will be the only light we need.
And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. – Revelations 22:5
When we submit our lives to God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we also walk in the light. We become children of the light.
For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. – 1 Thessalonians 5:5
What does it look like to live in light?
1. We walk in truth and love like our Heavenly Father
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. – 1 John 2:9-11
Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:1-2
2. We are watchful, spiritually awake, and soberly await the return of Jesus
For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2
3. We are equipped and prepared
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. – 1 Thessalonians 5:8
4. We seek to live a life pleasing to the Lord and expose darkness
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. – Ephesians 5:8-11
5. We allow God’s word to guide us
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105
Prayer:
God, you are light. There is no darkness in you. You are holy, glorious, good, and pure. Your light casts out all darkness. I pray for your light to illuminate the darkness around me and in me. I pray to walk in your light. Lord, teach me how to walk in truth and love. Lord, teach me your word and to walk in your paths.
Graceful Strides 