Walk as Children of Light

Commentary

The Christian is not only enlightened by Christ but is also “the light of the world” (v. 8). Each believer is called to walk in the light daily, exposing sin and darkness simply by living in a godly and truthful way that pleases the Lord. Have you ever entered a room where people were telling dirty jokes, and suddenly everyone went silent? Your presence as a Christian brought conviction, as it should. To “walk as children of light” means to live openly before God, hiding nothing from His sight and seeking His approval in every thought, word, and action.

It is easy to hide sin from people because they cannot see our hearts and minds, but “everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (HEB 4:13). Therefore, we must live above reproach, reflecting God’s goodness and truth (v. 8). “Live as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (vv. 8–9). Paul urges believers to test what pleases the Lord (v. 10) and to expose “the unfruitful works of darkness” (v. 11). Silence in the face of sin can easily be mistaken for approval. God needs courageous people who lovingly stand for what is true and right.

I travel often, and every time I board an airplane, I must pass through X-ray inspection. I’m never afraid to do so because I have nothing to hide or fear. In fact, such inspection is for my own safety, comfort, and protection. This is how we should live before an all-seeing and all-knowing God—open, honest, and pure in motive. “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret” (v. 12). Sin always leads to darkness, but “everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light” (v. 13). There-fore, Paul calls, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (v. 14).

Application

Can I think of anything in my life I wish God did not see? Do I walk as a child of light, or do I sometimes hide in darkness? Today I want my thoughts, words, and actions to please the Lord. When I am tempted to join in gossip or stay silent about sin, I will choose honesty, purity, and courage so Christ’s light will shine through me.