I am light. I am no longer darkness. Why then is it that I continue to allow myself to be taken back into the darkness? Paul reminds the Ephesians and me that I am to stay away from the darkness by being an imitator of God.
“1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
As an imitator of God, I have the responsibility to walk in the light. I will be tempted by the darkness to return. I am human and will always encounter the worldly values, whether monetary, social, physical, or emotional. These will be enticing for the short term pleasure, but the glory that comes with being and being of the light are so much more sustaining.
“7Therefore do not become partners with them; 8for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:7-10 (ESV)
I have a duty to be pleasing to the Lord. That duty has to be the importance in my life. I have to stay true to bringing glory to God and as I do, I will continue to experience the fruit of my labor for Him. I choose to stay out of the darkness and lean on Christ for His guidance in doing so.
Are you finding yourself tempted by the darkness around you? Are you able to lean on the light provided by Christ that you have become? Where are you looking that will keep you out of the darkness?
Trevor's Thoughts 