This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. –1 John 1:5-7
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The concept of light is an important concept throughout the Bible. When you walk with Jesus, you walk in the light. Light helps you to see where you are going. Without the light of God, you cannot possibly know how to live your life. Living in darkness is incompatible with living in the light. If you want to walk with God, you’ve got to stay away from the darkness and walk in the light.
In today’s Scripture, there are two important results of walking in the light: the first result is fellowship with one another – in other words, a right relationship with our family and friends. Secondly, when we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus purifies, or cleanses, us from all sin, restoring a right relationship with God. When we walk in the light, we have a right relationship horizontally with humankind and a right relationship vertically with God. There are no more important priorities in life.
It is interesting to note that many studies in the area of death and dying tell us that just before a person dies he seeks a right relationship with God and a right relationship with his family and friends. When all other aspects of life are put aside, the important priorities of life remain. The way to insure that your life is in proper perspective is to walk in the light.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Reread 1 John 1:5-7. What attribute of God is described in these verses? What are the two results of walking in the light?
2. Are there areas of darkness in your life? If so, how about shedding some light on them and giving them over to Christ? God’s light will enable you to see where you should be going!
FURTHER READING:
1 John 3:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14; John 3:19-21; Hebrews 9:14