You Have Light From God
Can other people see your light? Can you see it?
Verse of the Day
‘For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! ‘
Today’s Devotional
Have you ever lost power in your home during the night and you could not find your way around without having your hand on the wall? Darkness can be very disconcerting.
Darkness can also be comfortable if we get accustomed to it.
The truth is that we have been given light from God. And just like any gift, it is our choice whether or not we use this light that we have been given.
So how do we live as people of light the way this verse directs?
‘Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.’ (Ephesians 5:2) We are to be people who are loving and sacrificial.
‘Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.’ (Ephesians 5:4) Our speech should be full of gratitude to God for all that He has done and is doing in our lives.
‘For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.’ (Ephesians 5:9) Our thoughts and our actions should be centered on what is good, right, and true according to Scripture. In order to accomplish that, I need to be spending time in the Word.
‘So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.’ (Ephesians 5:15) We should be people who seek God’s wisdom for our lives. That requires a relationship with Him.
‘Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.’ (Ephesians 5:17) It sounds like living on autopilot is not an option for us. We have a responsibility to live in a way that points others to Jesus. This requires thoughtfulness and intention.
‘And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.’ (Ephesians 5:21) When was the last time that you set aside your own opinions and preferences for the sake of someone else? People of light clearly do not force their own will onto others.
‘In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.’ (Matthew 5:16) Actions speak louder than words. We should be the kind of people who are seeking to bless people with our actions without needing to call attention to the good things we are doing.
The light we have been given is full of hope, grace, and love. If the light in your own life is hard for you to see, then it’s time to ask God to illuminate your understanding of all that He has done for you. If your light isn’t shining as brightly as you would like, then it’s time to go back to the Source of the light. Lean in, ask, and listen. If you are willing to shine your God-given light in this world, God will help you know how to do that.
It is an honor to be given God’s light. Knowing how to shine might take some time and practice. But it’s who we are. It’s time to shine.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
How can you be loving today?
How can you be sacrificial?
To whom can you speak thankfulness today about what God has done in your life?
How can you seek God’s wisdom?
How can you submit to someone today?
What places in your heart do you need God to illuminate?
What would your life look like if you were shining with your God-given light?