Yesterday one of my liberal minded, utopia seeking college student friends, whom I dearly love, posted on Facebook about some political things going on in Nashville. Without going into all the gory details, I have to say that I spend a better part of the day thinking about how to tactfully post a response to his somewhat condemning post.
My thoughts quickly traveled to Ephesians however, for it is here that the writer of this letter lays out some very profound and yet simple ideas for those who wish to follow the Christ.
You see, my friend was calling out the way sin has been categorized to a point that some is acceptable and some is not. However, the letter the the Ephesians clearly calls out all sorts of dark behaviors and groups them in the same pot. Then there’s the real kicker. It’s not a condemnation for having had these sins in your life, but an impetus to move past them:
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)
All of us have sinned. All of us continue to make mistakes. All of us are so dependent on the grace the oozes from our Lord. However, we are still admonished to move toward the light and to leave the other things in darkness. The Message version of this brings home the point in a very contemporary way:
8-10You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. Ephesians 5:8-10 The Message (MSG)
So, we need to leave the darkness behind, and move towards the light – transformed by the grace and love of Christ. As you battle the darkness in your life remember this admonishment. And as you deal with others steeped in the battle with darkness please remember that “you were once darkness” but now “you are the light”. Approach them with the grace and love bestowed upon you.
Oh, and isn’t this just another reason to live a life of joy?