In The LIght

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
IN THE LIGHT
Eph 5:8-10
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
NIV
There is no question regarding the fact I was once in darkness. I am also convinced the reason I was in the darkness was because I did not want anything to do with the light. Even though I may not have known it because of the Word, I knew it because God put the knowledge of himself into ever man, including me. I did not want to be in the light at all because I did not want the light to expose my life. But all that has changed, I do live in the light now. My life is exposed to the light and in this light those things I do which I wish I did not and those things I should do and don’t do are visible because of the light. This light certainly should have a positive effect on my behavior; I should live as though I am in this light and thus exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth. But that is not always the case. I know it is my desire, but I also know I still struggle with being all of that. Why is this? Why should I not be able to be completely filled with those qualities all the time? I certainly would think I should be able to, but I simply am not. I still act at times as if I am still in the darkness. I think the difference is I am now very aware of those times, and I know I am guilty of offending my God, thus I seek his forgiveness. Before I just did not care, now I do. But is that good enough? Is this making excuses for my failures? Maybe, but it is be honest about having them, about not being perfect, about still struggling with the old self. I think that is at least a good thing. I think if I were in denial about those actions which offend God I would be in worse condition. Being in the light brings attention to those behaviors and thus I must deal with them, not simply try to hide them in denial or darkness. So I am content to be in the light. I am very glad Jesus is in my life, for without him I would certainly be doomed. I have hope, of eternal life in the everlasting presence of my God and I have hope of becoming more like him as I continue to live in the light.