Find Direction In Life By Walking Closely With God

Have you ever felt lost in the darkness, unsure of which way to turn? We've all been there. But as believers in Christ, we have a powerful truth to cling to: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8). This stark contrast between our past and present identity sets the stage for how we should live our lives. Let's explore what it means to "walk as children of light" in our daily lives. From Darkness to Light: A Radical Transformation The book of Ephesians paints a vivid picture of our spiritual journey. As I shared in the sermon, "You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." This isn't just a minor change – it's a complete transformation of our very being. We're not just walking in the light; we are light. This new identity in Christ should radically alter how we live. The Fruit of Light: Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth So, what does it look like to walk as children of light? Ephesians 5:9-10 gives us a clear picture: "For the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness and truth, testing what is pleasing to the Lord." Let's break this down: 1. Goodness: This isn't just being nice. It's an active pursuit of blessing others. 2. Righteousness: Doing what pleases God, aligning our actions with His will. 3. Truth: Living honestly and authentically, rejecting deceit in all its forms. As I mentioned in the sermon, "If you're walking in the light, it's going to produce goodness... There's goodness and there's righteousness... and truth." These qualities should be growing in our lives as evidence of our walk with Christ. Navigating Wisely in an Evil World Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us to "Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil." This isn't about rushing through life but about being intentional with how we spend our time. I often pray with my wife, "Lord, nothing more and nothing less than what you have for us today." This simple prayer helps us focus on God's priorities rather than getting caught up in the world's busyness. Filled by the Spirit: The Power for Christian Living One of the key commands in this passage is to "be filled by the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). This isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process. It's about maintaining a posture of dependence on God, recognizing our daily need for His presence and power. As I reflected on Luke 11:13, where Jesus says, "How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him," I realized something profound. Often, we just want Jesus to give us the "bread" – the tangible things we think we need. But what we truly need is the Holy Spirit Himself. He is sufficient for all our needs. Practical Steps for Walking in the Light 1. Worship and Thanksgiving: Ephesians 5:19-20 encourages us to speak "to one another in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2. Mutual Submission: Verse 21 calls us to "submit to one another in the fear of Christ." This isn't about weakness but about seeing others with worth and dignity. As I put it in the sermon, it's saying, "I see you and you matter." Life Application: Evaluating Your Walk To help you apply these truths, consider these questions on a scale of 1-10: 1. Are you careful and wise in your behavior? 2. Are you disciplined and discerning in how you spend your time? 3. Are you actively and correctly pursuing the Father's will? 4. Are you living under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit? 5. Are you deliberately and frequently finding ways to honor and serve others? Take some time to reflect on these questions and ask God to show you areas where you can grow in walking as a child of light. Remember, walking in the light isn't about perfection – it's about direction. As we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), He will guide our steps and illuminate our path in this dark world. Video recorded at Las Vegas, Nevada.