THE LIGHT WITHIN
Richard Harris
Today's Scripture: “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8b-10, ESV
Theme: Try to find out what pleases the Lord by doing what is right and listening to the Holy Spirit.
WHOM DO YOU EMULATE?
Just as children look up to those they like to imitate, we also emulate our heroes. Who are your heroes? Of course, our Bible is loaded with “heroes.” They are the ones who are good, right and true, although most of them had a few defects also. In today’s Scripture, Paul is offering instruction in the truths of God’s redemptive work in Christ. He tells the Ephesians to “walk as children of light.” The light refers to redeemed Christians. The fruit of that light is righteousness and truth.
Christ and Paul are heroes of our Bible. Christ, alone, was a hero unflawed. There are many more whom, when we emulate their goodness, we please the Lord. But what about those who we like to call our heroes but don’t do what is right or listen to the Holy Spirit?
WHO ARE YOUR HEROES?
Unfortunately, we often create heroes out of today’s celebrities. There are many out there who vie for that status. Hero worship seems to be a big pastime lately. Many singers, actors, sports celebrities, politicians, YouTube stars, and TV personalities are placed upon that pedestal of “superhero.” A few may be worthy of emulating. Most, because of weak character, eventually come crashing down. While we worship them, who are they worshipping? This is the litmus test. How do our celebrities live their lives when we don’t see them on that pedestal?
We just finished another NFL football season, with Super Bowl 58. Now, you may not necessarily like football, or believe the wrong teams got in there, but here is a fact about those that play it: more than 35 percent of the players and coaches profess to be Christians. Some professionals embrace their faith and publicly show that on and off the field. Prayers are a tradition in NFL locker rooms. Praying players and coaches are societal role models in my opinion. May they sway the culture towards the fruit of the light.
The two quarterbacks in this year’s Super Bowl both profess faith in Jesus Christ. As far as we can know, they seem to be fine examples, pleasing to the Lord. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City) openly discusses his faith: “It means everything, not only about my football career, but all the decisions that I’ve made. It’s not about winning football games. It’s about Glorifying Him.” His go-to Bible verses are Acts 20:7-12. “God wants me fully in, and I am.”
Brock Purdy (San Francisco) credits Jesus Christ for his accomplishments. He turns to Psalm 23 for support and guidance on and off the field. He knows God is with him during every moment of the game, which gives him the calmness and steadfastness he always displays.
Consider why you follow your modern-day heroes. Do they display godly or ungodly actions or words? Which of them walk as children of light and try to discern what pleases the Lord?
Make It Personal: Our goal is to be more like Christ Jesus. Never quit. We must walk through the trial, because troubles and trials drive us to God. We please the Lord by doing what is right and listening to the Holy Spirit. Our goal is to please Him, not ourselves or others. We owe everything we have to Christ Jesus.
Pray: Almighty Father. As we walk as children of light, we pray that You provide us with a deep, intimate knowledge of Your ways, so that we may enjoy the fruit of that light and discern what pleases You. Forgive us Lord, when we do those things that displease You. As children, we ask for Your guiding hand in all things. We ask, Lord, to become a living reflection of Your hope in all of us. We pray this in the name of Your Son, our Redemptive Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read: Romans 12:2; 1John 1:5-7; Matthew 5:15-16; Galatians 5:22-23
Weekly Memory Verse: but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, Ephesians 5:18b - 19 (ESV)