EPHESIANS 5:10-11

and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

TO PONDER

Verses like the one above are some of the most challenging parts of scripture to me. I'd like to think that there is nothing more for me to do than make sure my relationship with od is in good order and that's it. Bu a verse like this doesn't let me get away that easily.

Paul uses the image of darkness and light in this passage. It's a powerful metaphor, because wherever light exists, darkness is pushed back. Now I know it's not a perfect metaphor, but let's just think about it for a second. If you are sent into a completely dark room with nothing but a box of matches and the door is closed behind you, presuming you can open the box and strike a match just by feel, the moment that match catches fire, light enters the room, and things that were previously hidden in the darkness become visible.

It may not be a lot of light, and it may not last long, but for the time that the match is lit, the darkness is reduced and something - no matter how dimly it may be illuminated - can suddenly be seen.

Paul is saying to us that wherever we go, we bring the light of Christ with us and that light can expose things that have been hidden in the darkness. That's a challenging thought for a modern reader of the scriptures who has grown up in a culture that says I have no right to question another person's choices, as long as they are not hurting anyone. What does God want me to do in those situations? When I encounter someone making choices that I know are contrary to what God spells out for us in his Word, is it my job to confront that sin, or am I to turn a blind eye and love them anyway?

I think Paul is saying it's both. As you walk along side that person, shining the light and love of Jesus into their lives, he will uncover the dark places and help them to realise the places where sin and darkness have taken hold. Then, as dearly loved children of God, he can use us to minister to our friends and families as they come to grips with the dark places in their lives and hand them over to Jesus.

We should not ignore sin, especially when it is directly harming others. We should confront it when we already have a trusting and respectful relationship with the person or people involved, but the way to expose it is not in proclaiming and denouncing the sin publicly - it is by persistently imitating and sharing the light and love of Jesus in our own lives and allowing him to confront the darkness. Yes expose sin and call it for what it is, but remember the words and warning of Jesus - make sure you have dealt with the log in your own eye before you try removing the speck from your brother or sisters eye.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that you have not left us wandering aimlessly in darkness but have placed your light and love within us. Please help me take this little light of mine and shine it brightly in the darkness so that people may see you and be drawn to the light, life and love that you have to give. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle