Walking As Children Of Light

"And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma" (Ephesians 5:2).

Oh! How many times have I heard people say, "The world has changed, we are a modern civilization, the old rules don't apply in this age..."  Somehow we think that our cosmopolitan lifestyle is a more mature way to look at life.  We must accept the liberal attitudes, we must not return to the "Old Victorian Ways."  We can talk about anything, anytime, anywhere, in front any person.  Our sophistication is such that we are immune from the necessity to follow rules.  This all things are relative, truth is not necessarily the same for everyone, so "shut up!" "don't ask me to follow rules, or to watch my dirty speech it isn't dirty, it is the way I express myself."  Furthermore, "I can dress as risque, dance as risque, as I want!"  This liberal way of thinking has found its way deep into many Christians.  We have lowered the "bar" to meet the new demands of this so-called, "modern society."  Churches today are walking a wide birth so as not to be perceived as being, 'legalistic."

Here is a fact, the people of Paul's day were considered cosmopolitan, modern civilization, sophisticated, and free thinking people.  So!! Paul, Paul, why are you so legalistic?  Paul wrote that we should walk in love and act in love towards others, yet.. he becomes so legalistic, placing fear into the hearts of men and women.  Just read this and see if you do not agree with me that Paul is being legalistic, unreal in his demands.  "But fornication, (Gr. porneia = illicit sexual intercourse) and all uncleanness (Gr. akatharsia = unclean, impure of motive, lewdness)  or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness (Gr. akathartos = morally unclean) nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks"  (Ephesians 5:3-4).  Wow! how legalistic, does that mean I can't enjoy an off-color joke?  Must I leave my live-in, "significant other"? I am expected not to live like this in this modern civilization?  "What will everyone think?" Where is the "love that I am supposed to "walk in?"

As children walking in light we know this, "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them" (Ephesians 5:5-7).  So, if we are "walking the light" the light of truth, we are loving if we take this warning to others, if we show them the way to everlasting life.  "For you were once darkness (notice the wording, it is not that you were in darkness, rather "you were darkness), but now your light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

Paul is not being legalistic, he is under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as he writes to the Ephesian Church, a letter that extends down into our very day and speaks to us what is God's will for our lives.  "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17). Let us therefore walk in the light, in love and extend what we have come to believe, that there is a heaven and a hell, and that Jesus is coming to judge the world and we have been given the opportunity, the privilege to bring this message to our world.  Yes, it will take fortitude, but we have the help of Holy Spirit, and it will for some mean a new way of walking in faith.  Christianity is not about having prosperity, living as we please, looking out for "number one."  It is living for our Savior and knowing that we have a sure hope and will live in the heavenly hope in the here and now.  Walk in the light!

Daily Prayer:

Father it is good to be one of Your children, yet I so often fail, thank you for forgiveness, I repent, lead me into the light so that it shines brighter each day, lighting up truth, Your truth to a world in darkness.  Thank you for Your faithful Word that lights the way, shows us Your will as to how we are to live so that our life represents You.  I do not want to be a disgrace, mocked behind my back for saying I am a Christian but my life does not show it, may I be mocked, for living Your way which is in opposition to this world.  May then my life help others to find their way to You.                                                       Amen