“Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”
(Ephesians 4:18)
A full moon on a clear night is a thing of beauty as well as mystique. Recently on returning home from a trip late in the evening, my family and I were once again amazed at just how bright a full moon can be. And what’s even more amazing is that this moon has no light of its own. It is merely a reflection of the primary light source in its universe. What a beautiful picture to remind us of how God’s children are to reflect His light into our world.
Scripture has a lot to say about light – and it’s contrasting darkness. Because of the Fall, we are all born under the curse of darkness (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 3:10, 23; John 3:18). Being children of the darkness, our understanding is naturally darkened (Eph. 4:18). Apart from God, we love the darkness because our deeds are evil (John 3:19). In truth, being separated from God who is light, we are darkness (Eph. 5:8).
But what happens when you introduce light into the darkness? The light always overcomes because light is more powerful than darkness! When the Holy Spirit of God shines the light of the glorious gospel of Christ into our dark soul and we are enabled to see the Savior through the eyes of faith, we are transformed into children of light (Eph. 5:8). And once transformed, we are to live as children of light by reflecting His light.
This means our understanding that was formerly darkened is now enlightened by the power of God’s renewing Spirit (John 3:3, 5). Having been called by God into Christ’s marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9), we can clearly see the beauty of God’s holiness: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ [at the point of creation] has shone in our hearts to shed the light of the knowledge of the glory of God…” (2 Cor. 4:6).
Once we are called to a life of faith in Christ, the old life of darkness and sin is replaced with the light of God’s love and grace. It is, indeed, the difference between night and day!
Further, Christians live with the express purpose of reflecting God’s marvelous light into our world – a world that is, for a time, still under the power of darkness. We are to be His light in this dark world (Matt. 5:14), reflecting the light of Christ brightly and consistently. Just like there are no more opposite “opposites” than light and darkness, there should be no question, no doubt, no confusion regarding the truth that we are children of the light. Justin Martyr said, “That which the soul is in the body, that is the believer in the world; for as the soul is in, not of the body, so the believer is in, but not of the world.” Such is the contrast that should be evident between children of light and children of darkness.
Light is always more powerful than darkness. Introduce light into the darkness, and the darkness flees. So take heart, children of the light! The light of God and His Christ are your light source. His light powers your light, so as long as you remain connected to this divine source by faith in the Redeemer your light will shine.
To what end? The glory of God! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” (Matt. 5:16).
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,
that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
(1 Peter 2:9)
- Lord, when I consider all it means to be Your child, my soul is overcome with joy and gratefulness. I believe Your Son died for my sins and that You raised Him up the third day, giving Him power over death. I received Him as my Lord and Savior by faith, which means I’m no longer under the power of darkness. I no longer live with the sentence of death on my head. Instead, You bring light to my life and my understanding. I will now live forever with You in glory. I am now a joint-heir with Christ to Your kingdom. Lord, help me better understand the sheer power of Your light and life – the power You have over darkness and death! I want the reality of this truth to filter through all of my life now, both in my attitude and my actions.
- Father, I realize I am to be a reflection of Your light in this dark world, but I have to ask myself: How is Your divine nature demonstrated through me? Where does Your image shine in me? Where is Your light evident in my life? Can I see it? Can others see it in me?
- Lord, even though the difference between light and darkness should be obvious, Satan is cunning. He knows that if we see sin for what it really is, we would hate it, for evil as evil is never desirable. But just like he did with Eve, he makes sin look appealing, pleasurable, and profitable – to Christians as well as unbelievers. In truth, I wonder, do I really see the evil of sin? Do I see it as utterly despicable and filthy, or am I indifferent to it? Open my eyes to the ugly and destructive power of sin and what it cost You to rescue me from its claws. Help me see it – and abhor it – as You do.
Further References for Ephesians 4:18
Rom. 1:21; Eph. 2:12; 2 Cor 3:14; 1 Peter 1:14; Acts 3:17; Isa. 9:2
