Walking in the light (24)

A child of God should be noticeably different from those who dwell in darkness because he is walking in the light. Jesus should make a difference in our lives! In 1890, Eliza Hewitt wrote the song: “Stepping In The Light” and refrain reads:

“How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour, Stepping in the light, stepping in the light, How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour, Led in paths of light.” A true child of God does not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness anywhere he may find himself.

Throughout the Scripture, darkness symbolises sin and its effects (Proverbs 2:12–15). The works of darkness are unfruitful because they end in death, but the fruit of righteousness “leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life,” (Romans 6:20–22).

By telling the Ephesians what behaviours to avoid, Paul outlines the unfruitful works of darkness to include sexual sin, greed, dirty talks, filthy practices, idolatry, among others (Ephesians 5:3–5). Paul advised the Romans to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.” Then he listed other dark deeds such as bickering, grabbing everything in sight, orgies, drunkenness, sensuality, quarreling and jealousy (Romans 13:12-13).

To the Corinthians, Paul explained that light and darkness could not have anything in common: “How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). To walk in the light is to cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. To walk in the light is to put away deeds that gratify the flesh.

The unsaved person walks in darkness, performing unfruitful works of darkness, while the child of God puts on the armour of light and works toward complete holiness as Jesus directed: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden,” (Mathew 5:14-16).

Paul told the Ephesians to expose the unfruitful works of darkness. A child of God should not participate in evil going on anywhere nor support it. As we walk in the light, we are told to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.” That means that when we walk as we should, we will not find ourselves encouraging or excusing sin. This speaks of endorsement, agreement and participation. We will not endorse sin by speaking out in its defense. We will not participate in sin with our actions. Not if we are walking as children of light.

Exposing the unfruitful works of darkness means that when we walk as children of light the way we live will expose the way those living on the contrary live as unfruitful. The things that sinners do are shameful. The unfruitful works of darkness are those things we should be ashamed of doing.

Walking in the light is doing what is pleasing unto God. Christians are to shine as light and be a light to all the nations so that they will see God’s glory (Isaiah 60:1-5). If Christ’s light shines through us, men will leave the darkness and become light. We are called to ‘live’ the gospel by walking in the light. When we do, we will be different and we will make a difference in the lives of the people around us.

• Today’s nugget: We are called to live the Gospel. Prayer: Lord Help me to shine as light. Prayer lines: 08033299824.E-mail: amadiabelukachi@gmail.com, Rev. (Dr.) Abel Ukachi Amadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria.