Another Shared Distinction!

Yesterday we considered how wonderful it is to share the distinction with our Lord of being "beloved children" of God. After referring to Christians as God's "beloved children" ( Ephesians 5:1), Paul also referred to followers of Christ as "CHILDREN OF LIGHT" ( Ephesians 5:8); not of darkness, but of LIGHT! This too is a distinction we, in Christ, share with Him and with our Heavenly Father.

John noted. . .
"(5) This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that GOD IS LIGHT, and IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL." ( 1 John 1:5 ESV)
LIGHT is part of the very essence of God. In Him there in no darkness because LIGHT dispels darkness. That is what LIGHT naturally does. It cannot shine without that taking place.

Jesus made the same declaration regarding Himself where we read. . .
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. WHOEVER FOLLOWS ME WILL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, but will have the light of life.'" ( John 8:12 ESV)

As Jesus referred to His own essence of LIGHT, He too noted the absence of darkness in association with following Him. Our life connected to Him provides the blessing of enjoying HIS LIGHT. To walk close to Him -- living in His presence -- dispels the darkness that would otherwise surround us. It is naturally what takes place as we draw near to Him.

What a privilege it is for us to enjoy the blessing of being "CHILDREN OF LIGHT" and walking in the LIGHT OF THE LORD! ( 1 John 1:7) When we continue walking in THE LIGHT, our life remains in line with it in order to reflect THAT LIGHT to the world. BEING LIGHT is a task to which we also have been called. It is to be a distinctive essence of our being.

Jesus emphatically declared. . .
"(14) 'YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. (16) In the same way, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." ( Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

As our life is lived in continual connection with our Lord, we will naturally shine to dispel the darkness in the world around us. Being "children of God" living as "CHILDREN OF LIGHT" -- His LIGHT -- it is the life to which we have been called. May there be no darkness associated with our life as we live to the praise and glory of God.

Have a great day SHINING TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Carl

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