Walk in the Light

The light of Christ calls us into truth. 1 JOHN 1:5 (ESV) says, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." That statement leaves no room for mixing holiness with hidden sin as though both can comfortably live together. John writes to believers with directness. If we say we have fellowship with God while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. That is serious. Words about God cannot substitute for walking with God. This does not mean believers are sinless. John will go on to say that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. But there is a difference between struggling against sin in the light and choosing darkness while claiming fellowship. Walking in the light means living before God honestly. No hiding. No pretending. No double life protected by religious language. No treating conviction as inconvenience. The light exposes, but it also brings fellowship and cleansing through Christ.

1 JOHN 1:7 (ESV) says the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. That is hope for exposed sinners. The light does not reveal sin so we can despair. It reveals sin so we can confess and be cleansed. This is a strong word after Christmas. The Light has come, and we must not return to darkness comfortably. Where has the Lord been shining light? In your speech? In your habits? In your motives? In what you watch, hide, excuse, or defend? In resentment you keep feeding? In compromise you keep renaming? Do not run from the light. Come into it. God is light, and the blood of Jesus is sufficient for those who confess and walk with Him. That is why walking in the light should not be treated as frightening for the believer. Yes, exposure can be painful. Yes, confession humbles pride. But darkness is the dangerous place, not the light. PROVERBS 28:13 (ESV) says, "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." Mercy is found in honest surrender before God. The light that exposes also leads us to cleansing in Christ.