Week 24, Day 2: Walk in the Light

Today’s Reading:  1 John 2:1-3:24

Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…

John writes that “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)  This simple verse explains why God’s expectations for us is so high.  He cannot, and will not tolerate sin in our lives.  We cannot be with God if we are not pure and holy, just as He is holy.  This is why John continued to say that we must walk in the light if we are going to have fellowship with Him.  If we say that we have fellowship with God and we continue to walk in darkness, then we are liars.

This passage is quite problematic for those who believe that we don’t really have to change our actions when we become Christians.  Some think that it too demanding to believe that God wants us to give up all the sin in our lives.  They believe that God, being merciful, does not require that we really give up the things in life that we enjoy or find too difficult to give up.  But, John’s writings are very clear that God expects His people to change their manner of life.  They can no longer continue to walk in darkness, but rather must change their ways to walk in the light.  Can we honestly believe that we “walk in the light” if we continue in the same manner of life as those who are in darkness?

John does not write supposing that we would be perfect once baptized (1 John 1:8).  However, he does indicate that he expects us to have a particular “manner of life” that righteous.  This is conveyed by the idea of “walking” in either light or darkness.  If our manner of life is to walk in the light, then we will strive every day to do what is right, and will change any action in our lives that we find contrary to the word of God.  If we stumble, we can ask for God’s forgiveness.  But, stumbling does not define our manner of life.  We must dedicate ourselves to walking in the light, and never accept that it is acceptable to walk in darkness.  So, every day, commit yourself to walking in the light.  Don’t ever give up!

One Comment »

1. 

   Stephanie said :
   June 24, 2009 at 8:07 pm

   Giving up should not be an option. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Should be continue in sin God forbid! The word is the light and it is mighty in power to ward off satan and his tactics.