Shining as Children of Light
In Jesus, we are not only in the light, we are light, shining with His life into a dark world.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones reflects on the truth of Ephesians 5:8, reminding us that we were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. He explains that this is not merely a shift from being in the dark to being in the light, but a transformation of identity itself. Apart from Jesus, people not only dwell in darkness, they become darkness. Their thoughts, actions, and habits shape them into what they dwell upon. The result is emptiness, a punishment that unfolds naturally and automatically.
But the opposite is equally true. Now that we are in Jesus, we are light in Him. This is more than standing near the light, it is being light because He is light. As Jones notes, when we abide in Him, His purity works through us until we reflect His truth, His love, and His holiness. It is not about perfection in ourselves, but about His life expressed through us. When others think of us, what they should see is love, because His love has so filled us that it shines outward.
Jones also offers a sober warning. When believers step back into living for themselves, apart from Jesus, they slip back toward darkness. Pride and ego can easily replace dependence, leaving a trail of disappointment and confusion. But when we abide in the Lord, His light overcomes our darkness and makes us luminous with His presence.
This devotional urges us to live with confidence in who we are now in Jesus. We do not have to manufacture light or pretend to shine. We simply yield to the One who is light, and His life radiates through us. Jones calls us to stand boldly in that reality, not just giving the light, but becoming light itself through union with Him.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, you are no longer darkness. You are light in the Lord. Do not see yourself as one stumbling in the shadows, for I have already brought you into My marvelous light. Abide in Me, and My life will flow through you so that you shine with truth, purity, and love.
When you walk in Me, others will sense My presence in you. They will see not your striving, but My love expressed through your words and actions. It is not about becoming something you are not, but about living out what you already are in Christ Jesus.
Do not fear the shadows that surround you, for they cannot overcome the light within you. Even when the world feels heavy with darkness, My light is greater. You are hidden with Jesus in Me, and His life is your life. Yield to Him moment by moment, and the light will shine naturally, transforming you into a living witness of My grace.
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:8-9, 1 Peter 2:9, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16, Colossians 1:13, Colossians 3:3-4, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 4:6, John 1:5, Romans 6:11, 1 John 1:5-7.
Real-Life Analogy
Consider a window in a dark room. On its own, the glass has no light. But when the sun shines on it, the room fills with brightness. The glass does not produce light, it simply allows the light to pass through. In the same way, we do not generate spiritual light by ourselves. When we abide in Jesus, His light naturally shines through us into the world around us.
Today, when I encounter a situation clouded with negativity or discouragement, I can quietly yield and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment.” In doing so, I allow His light to shine where darkness once seemed to reign.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I am no longer darkness but light in You. I rejoice that I do not need to strive to shine, for You are the light within me. I rest in the truth that as I abide in You, Your love and purity radiate through me. I trust that today, in every encounter, Your life in me will shine into the shadows, bringing hope, truth, and grace.