Beloved Children of Light
Good Morning Friends,
Today as we read scripture, write and pray, it would be well to contemplate the imprint that Christ has made in our lives on us through the intimate relationship of bringing light into our daily living. We can see this process in the lives of couples married for many years that remember experiences that make them smile and in the lives of even adopted children that take on the positive mannerisms of those they live with during their years of formation. Here we see the fruit of light that is found in all that is good and right and true. Here the habits that drive us are reinforced in an enlightened way. Here as children of joy we discover that in Christ we inherit a family resemblance. Here we become Beloved Children of Light.
Scripture: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light– for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:1-20 (NRSV)
Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance;
Psalm 89:15 (NRSV)
Message: I guess that is some ways I am beginning to look like my father and my son is beginning to look like me, but the process of the creation of this resemblance is not just a biological one. It is also formed by the light of love. Our spirit and God’s Spirit is also at work making us more like Him…more like each other. Here we discover the wisdom in Christ as we expose the darkness and respond to the Spirit using the time we have in this life. There is no mistaking the family resemblance when we reflect the truth. There is no mistaking the effect of light on a place of darkness. Here in the light we learn to live in love as Christ loved. Here we become beloved children of God. Here we keep the light of joy burning. You will never run out of things to worry about, but you can choose to trust God and the peace that shines on continuously in pure joy. Nothing is wasted when it is illuminated by God. God’s light can bring beauty out of the ashes and joy out of sorrow, peace out of adversity. Be joyous in the moments of light and love.
Pray we find more time to be with Jesus and family. Pray we make the most of opportunities that come our way. Pray we are filled with the Spirit of light. Pray we live an abundant and fruitful life. Pray we become more Christ like…shining light into a world with love. Pray that others recognize the family resemblance. Pray we turn toward God’s presence, Jesus shining upon us, the light of the universe accepting us as we accept others and in the revelation we are accepted and in joy we can accept ourselves. Pray we find joy in the gift of imperfection and purpose. Pray we find humor in life. Pray we find healing and a clarity of thought that frees us and fulfills us in the reality we are children of light…children of God being brought into unity.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 