Walk in the Light
“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 ESV
A couple of weeks ago, I decided I needed a glass of water before heading to bed. All the lights in the house were off, and everyone else in my family was already in bed. I began to make my way to the kitchen to get some water. However, instead of using my phone light as a guide, I decided I could make it to the kitchen without any problem on my own. So, I started the trek from my bedroom to the kitchen. I was almost to my destination when I hit it. A very large toy my toddler had left out in the living room. Not only did the object hurt my foot so badly, but it also made a very loud noise which startled a family member who was sleeping nearby. To be honest, this whole thing was avoidable. I have a phone with a built-in flashlight that could have been used as a guide through the dark halls and rooms of my home. I have lights all throughout the house that I could have easily turned on. Instead of walking in the light, I chose to go my own way. The way I deemed quicker, walking in the dark, which resulted in me getting hurt, and startled one of my sleeping family members.
Likewise, in our spiritual walk, we tend to do the same. Instead of walking in the light, we choose to go the route we think is best. Inevitably leading us down a path that causes pain and destruction.
Sanctification In Christ
Paul, and the men who were ministering alongside him, had instructed the Thessalonian Church, through Jesus, to live a life that would glorify God. These men and women were no longer bound to the darkness of sin. They had been made new in Christ Jesus. While they would never achieve a life of perfection on this side of Heaven, they (like us) were called to live a life of sanctification. To strive to become more and more like Christ each and every day. To put on His character, and bear kingdom fruits that would last for eternity. They were called to live in a way that would shine His light in the midst of the darkness that surrounded them.
Abstain From Sexual Immorality
God created sexuality! It is holy in His eyes. An act that is beautiful and wonderful when celebrated within the covenant of marriage. A marriage between a man and a woman. Marriage is an outward picture of the gospel, and when the act of sexuality is defiled, the Lord will act in judgment and seek justice. I want to add here that God is a just God, however He is also a merciful Father. His word tells us that His mercies are new each morning, and He is quick to forgive sin when we seek His forgiveness. Paul loved his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica, and only wanted to see them to live in the light - not the darkness. A life for Jesus that would produce disciples and ultimately further the kingdom.
Darkness of the Day
The culture we are currently living in is not that different from the days of the church at Thessalonica. We as followers of Christ are surrounded by the great darkness of a sinful world. The advancements in technology have opened the door for false doctrine to spread like wildfire. At the click of a button, our ears can be filled with teachings that will advocate for, and support whatever “truth” we may be seeking. Sexual immorality is also a great temptation. The false teaching that surrounds us proclaims a message that we can be who we want to be, and live in a way that fulfills the desires of our lustful passions. However, God has called us to live differently than the world does. We are to shine the light of His everlasting love to the lost and broken world. Walking in the darkness of sin will only lead to hurt and broken hearts. Not only in our life, but in those around us. We all have someone that looks up to us. Therefore, we must take up our cross daily and follow Christ. We must also ask ourselves: “are my words and actions striving to point the ones around me toward the light of Christ, or are they pointing them back to the darkness of sin?”
Children of the Light
Walking in the light of Christ is not easy when the world around us is so dark. However, I want to encourage you to keep pressing on. For this world is not our home! We can find encouragement in the fact that we are no longer bound by the darkness of sin. Instead, we find our identity as children of the light. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” One day, we will dwell in the presence of the light for eternity. The moment we step into heaven, we will find ourselves surrounded by the light of the lamb. There will be no more pain or darkness that comes from sin. Until that day, may we live as children who proclaim his excellencies and shine his marvelous light.
Father, I thank you for sending your son, Jesus. Thank you for giving us His light. Help us to walk in the light of His salvation while living in the midst of such a dark world that is cleaving to sinful passions.
