Walking in the light – Part 10

Key Verse: Ephesians 5:11: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them,” (KJV).

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, and 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, quarrelling 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 the evils 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.” This 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 defence. We will not participate in sin with our actions. Not if we are walking as children of light.

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.