Exposure

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
EXPOSURE
Eph 5:11-14
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
NIV
Are these words telling me I should go around and expose what other people do in the darkness? I think not. I am seeing here the concept of self examination. This idea of absolutely refraining from any activities which are associated with darkness, and in fact allow any of them which may still exist to be exposed to the light of Christ. Now I do see it may well apply to not associating with the likes of people who practice such evil behavior. To have nothing to do with those kinds of people would certainly help in not being like them. It does make sense, I think, that we all do have a tendency to behave in a similar manner as those we associate with. At least I think I do. That is why it is so important to remain a vital part of the body of Christ. Now although I am not supposed to have nothing to do with those disobedient souls who practice such behavior in secret, I do need to share to Gospel with them is some way, as to expose what they are doing at least to themselves. I also must make sure I am continually living completely exposed to the light myself. If I slip off into some dark secret place, what then? But how can I even do that? Is not God present wherever I go? I certainly think so. So I actually cannot slip off somewhere because I am always visible in the light. I also think the darkness is a heart issue, not a physical issue. Can I have darkness in my heart although I am standing in church? Being in the physical presence of other believers still does not preclude having some darkness in my heart. I must always have my inner being exposed to the examination light of God. I must forever be aware of his Word. I feel like I am jumping back and forth here, from others to me and back to others, but I think that is the case. This concept does apply to both. I should not indulge in those activities but I should not exclude those people from the light either. To balance the interaction with people who practice such behavior in order to share the light with them, or at least have them see the light within me, as I let my light shine, yet not allow their ways to infiltrate my ways, but quite the opposite is a difficult balancing act. Nevertheless, exposure is the key, both for them and me.