The Difference Between Darkness and Light (3)

Considering once again Ephesians 5:8—For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light—we see first what we were as unbelievers—darkness and second what we are as Believers—light.

Third, we new see what we do—walk as children of light. This is, of course, the powerful application of what we have seen thus far. As our text says we ARE . . . light, it now says we are to walk AS children of light. As noted back in 5:1, there is nothing more imitative than a child. That is one way in which he or she learns. So, as children of God we are to mimic the Father; we think like God, act like God, feel like God. Likewise here we are to imitate the light that we are.

In other words, it does not say that we are to walk IN light. To say that would be like saying that the sun shines in its own light. We often hear that the Christian is to “walk in light,” but that is inaccurate. Why? Because, if we take the above analogy of the sun a little further, if we walk in light we will cast a shadow. But God does not want us to cast a shadow; He wants us to shine AS light.

To go deeper, please meditate on this: since we ARE . . . light, we are to act like light; we are to have the attributes of light. By our conduct, we show that we hate darkness and love light and desire always to “shine as lights in the world” and to serve as light bearers “in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation” (Phil. 2:15). Again, we don’t shine IN light but AS light. We are actually a light source, just as one candle can be used to light another.

What, then, are the “attributes” of light? As we mentioned last time, generally speaking light pictures two basic thoughts. 

1. In regard to the intellect, light pictures truth. So, to walk according to light means that we walk according to Truth; we walk AS Truth.. No longer are we ignorant, for the truth of Jesus Christ is in us. Moreover, walking according to light means that we are growing in the knowledge of Christ day-by-day.

2. In regard to morality, light pictures holiness. To walk according to light also means that we live a pure, holy life; we walk AS holy people. As we have already studied in the section about “walking in purity” (Eph. 4:17-32), all that we say and do shines forth the light of Christ which is in us.

Writing to the most carnal group of believers recorded in Scripture, Paul says in II Corinthians 6:14-7:1: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

That passage is perhaps the most dramatic example of the contrast between darkness and light to be found in Scripture. Indeed, a true believer cannot commune with darkness or with those who live according to darkness.