Those who are unaware they are walking in darkness will never seek the light.
Bruce Lee
What I don’t like about winter is that the days are shorter nights are longer. Darkness is not a favourable place for someone with an eyesight problem. Hence, my opinion about winter. Light is vital for our vision and without it, one’s eyes do not function properly.
At the same time, darkness has its own significance. Take, for example, humans have a sleep-wake pattern, known as Circadian Rhythm. This process, on an average person, depends on the day and evening cycle. When it’s the day, we are active and when it’s the night our bodily systems also slow down their functions.
But are all darkness important and vital?
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the book of 1 John 1:1 – 2:6. Please, read our recent devotional from the book of Genesis 19:23-38: How To Know If You Are Truly Saved.
History to Understand God’s Word
John wrote three letters (epistles) to his church members. We have talked about the third letter on our previous devotional entitled: How to be supportive amiss times of distress.
Most Bible scholars believe that the author of the three epistles of John is the same John who wrote the fourth Gospel and Revelation. John the beloved, son of Zebedee and brother of James, was the youngest among the apostles during Jesus’ earthly ministry.
John, same as any apostles of Christ, was persecuted for his faith in Jesus. It was said that he was plunged into boiling oil but did not die nor unscathed. This was before his exile on the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. (Read the Prescription against the Heretics by Tertullian)
People of Light
1 John 1:5 describes “that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” The light is used as a context for truth. Therefore, His followers also should love and walk in the same light (v. 1:7). Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) and His followers ought to be following His ways (v. 2:3).
Christ-followers are called to obey His commandments (v. 2:5), confess their sins (v. 1:9) and avoid sinning (v. 2:1). Thus, believers who follow these things will reap the rewards. We will be partakers in the fellowship of the Holy Trinity (v. 1:7). Furthermore, we will have Jesus as our mediator to the Heavenly Father (v. 2:1) and our atonement for our sins (v. 2:2).
People of Darkness
As light indicates truth, darkness, however, refers to error, lies or falsehood. How can a person be walking in darkness?
Firstly, when a person does not believe in Jesus, he or she does not walk in the Light. We have to be careful about how you define believing in Christ. Mere knowledge about Him as a historical figure does not count as a belief. As Paul wrote in Romans 1:2, that even if we know God but not honour and thank Him, our minds are useless and our hearts are corrupted.
Secondly, some may know and believe in God but do not obey His commandments. Lastly, those who do not acknowledge being a sinner and do not repent from their sins. The Holy Spirit, who is pure, cannot live in a filthy heart.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Are you walking in the light or darkness?
- Do you live your life in accordance with God’s will?
- Is your heart clean? Have you confessed your sins?
- Are you continue reading the Word of God?
- How is your prayer life?
Prayer
Almighty God, source of all that is pure and true. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation for all. We ask that you forgive us for our sins (mention your sins) and may the precious blood of Jesus cleanse our hearts.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will show us our sins and reprove us always. Let your light shine in our hearts. And in turn, we will bring your light to others.
All these we as through Jesus Christ our light. Amen.
