Y’all Must Shine

Live as children of light.   Ephesians 5:8, NIV

Living as children of light means being different from the darkness that surrounds us. So, what does that look like?

In a world of hype, exaggeration, ludicrous claims, and downright lies, let your “Yes!” be yes and your “No!” mean no. “Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body” (Ephesians 4:25). Then you will be light—people will discover they can trust what you say. That’s why keeping your word is so important. It’s part of being the light.

Some people approach life by asking, “What is the minimum I have to do?” That’s part of the darkness, and God calls his people to be different: “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28). Do something useful. Be industrious—see how you can make the greatest contribution to your company, your home, your family—and you will be light.

Words have great power either to build up or to tear down. We cannot avoid hearing dark words of criticism, pride, or fear, but God calls us to make sure we’re not the source of them: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29). If our speech has the effect of building others up, then we will be light in a culture where so many words are aimed at tearing other people down.

Don’t ever expect the world to shine for you. God calls you to shine for the world. The world is a dark place, and God has put us where we are able to be lights. That’s the challenge for the whole church. If Paul could visit your church and speak with a southern accent, he would say, “Y’all are the light. Y’all are the people who claim to know that eternity itself is secure. Y’all have the Holy Spirit of God in you, and y’all live in a dark place. Now live as children of light.”

For further reading, see Ephesians 4