June 8 | Ephesians 5:1-14

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DAILY READING

Ephesians 5:1-14

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REFLECTION

Walk as Children of Light

by Judy Webb

Darkness, light, good, bad; these are opposites which provide visuals for us as we read from Ephesians 5 and discern the meaning of what we are reading. Darkness usually conjures up images of picking my way through a room at night. The room is unfamiliar, and I stumble and even stub my toe. Then a light is turned on and the entire room becomes bathed in clarity.

Once we turn to Jesus, we feel a call to action and see the change that happens when walking from a dark place into a scene filled with clarity, calm and peace. Then the action steps in Ephesians 5:1-14 are clear.

• Eph 5:1 Follow God’s example—be imitators of Jesus not of man. "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

• Eph 5:2 Walk in the way of love—as Jesus teaches us. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...and find out what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8, 10)

"Live as children of light," (Eph 5:8) meaning live in a manner fitting a saint: no hint of evil, no obscenity, no idolatry, but give thanksgiving. Don't listen to empty words. Holy Spirit brought us from dark and made us light. As Christians, the Holy Spirit guides and inspires. The light the Holy Spirit casts in front of us gives us power to avoid the dark places, indeed He exposes those dark corners for what they are and everything exposed by light becomes visible.

PRAYER

Jesus, reveal to us your will for each of our lives. As you light our paths, give us clarity as to our mission in this world. Give us courage to pursue that mission with truth and vigor. Amen.