Jesus & Tea

“God is light and in Him there is no darkness” 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

We know that if we walk in darkness we stumble (John 11:10), and because this world is full of darkness, stumble we may, but never on account of the Lord. Not only so, but he freely offers us the option to abide in him, which will lead to overcoming the inevitable darkness that exists on this earth. We cannot change the darkness, but we do not have to be restricted by it. We do not have to be slaves living in bondage to the things that are fighting to wage war against our souls, to bring division among God’s children, to slander Christ’s name. No. God is light.

He is light, and how can we hold fast to this truth? Aside from the obvious reading of scripture and remaining in fellowship, it is by looking back on our lives and remembering his faithfulness to carry us through each storm. It is by remembering the comfort of his Holy Spirit and the gentle guidance of his hand. God cannot lie. He has only ever intended good toward his children (Jeremiah 29:11) and he sent his son to deliver his chosen ones from darkness. If ever he allows evil to exist or darkness to affect our lives, it is not because he is of darkness (Romans 8:28). No. He is light and is the source of all things good and prosperous (producing godly fruit) in our lives.

To know that God is light is the beginning of reflecting that light. Truth is the primary characteristic of the Kingdom of the light (God’s kingdom) and is ever threatening to the darkness. In addition to this, it is because light is God’s very nature that it cannot be expressed in a counterfeit way. It is only the direct result of time spent with God. We can only express his light if we are in him. Consider: A river of life has never been able to spring up from flesh. It can only spring up from the spirit. God is light, and we reflect that light by remaining in him.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the spirit.”‘Galatians 5:25 (NIV)

There are so many “good things” to be part of on this earth. Look around. Churches are booming with ministries, and events to meet the needs of their local communities, even to address international issues many times. So many good things, both holy and secular take the appearance of light and as well-meaning Christians, we are often so eager to be associated with or to participate in anything that seems good. The Bible clears the confusion for us so simply in Galatians. We must not only live by the Spirit, but we must also walk in step with the Spirit. In this way we will be able to clearly discern what steps we must take practically in being and reflecting God’s light.