Spirit-Guided Child and Parent Relationships

                                 Spirit-Guided Child and Parent Relationships

 

I vividly remember twenty-eight years ago when I heard that Wilma conceived and I would be a Dad. My heart flooded with such joy and pride. When our first daughter Joanna was born, we could hardly wait to see her opening those bright eyes and look at us each morning.

Seeing her grow up was a delight. God has blessed us with three such precious gifts. How quickly all of them grew up and became beautiful young women. Sometimes, we wish to return to their childhood and cherish them again. That's how it should be with every child. Each one is fearfully and wonderfully made by God and given as a gift to their parents. Ps 127:3

Here are some quotes about children: "The child is the beauty of God present in the world, that greatest gift to a family." Mother Teresa, "Every child you encounter is a divine appointment." Wess Stafford, president emeritus of Compassion International. "A child is a beam of sunlight from the Infinite and Eternal, with possibilities of virtue and vice, but as yet unstained." Lyman Abbott, American congregationalist. "Children are our most valuable resource." Herbert Hoover, 31st president of the United States. "If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God!" Dwight L. Moody, Evangelist.

Here are a few quotes on raising children. "The best thing parents can do for their children is to love each other." Michael Gurian. "It's not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the World a little less cruel and heartless." R. Knost. "The best way to raise positive children in a negative world is to have positive parents who love them unconditionally and serve as excellent role models." Zig Ziglar. "There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one." Sue Atkins.

The scriptures talk a lot about the rewarding relationship between Children and Parents. In our passage, Ephesians 6:1-4, the apostle Paul, who never raised his own children, gives some helpful advice to children and instructions to parents on how to raise godly children.

In this election year, among many contentious issues, abortion is at the front and center of politics in the USA. Whatever your political or ideological views on abortion are, as Christians, we must understand what the Bible says about children, especially unborn children.

I. Biblical View on Children

Various scriptures suggest that life begins at conception. We must value unborn and born children alike. The Psalmist praised God for His involvement in the lives of human beings, from the womb to the tomb. Psalm 139:13-16, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book."

Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes the same penalty—death—for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who commits murder. Therefore, for the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman's right to choose to have a baby. The baby is already present and living. Abortion is a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God's image. Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6.

We receive and cherish children as they are God-given gifts. Ps 127:3-5. "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Prov 17:6. There was a time when Christians considered having a big family a blessing from God.

 

 

Jesus warned those who despise children, saying, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in Heaven. Matt 18:10-11. Therefore, let us watch out for how we deal with the unborn and the innocent children. Let's hear Paul's advice to children and instruction to parents.

II. Obedience to our parents rewards wellness and a long life on the earth

 Vs. 1-3, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise, "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Writing to Colossians, he further qualifies, saying," Children obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." Col 3:20.

Here, Paul referred to one of the Ten Commandments, which promises wellness and long life to children who obey and honor their parents. As young children, you obey your parents in everything. You do what you are told without questioning. You still obey your parents as you grow older, but you do it in the Lord. What does obeying your parents in the Lord mean?

It doesn't mean blind obedience. It means standing up to what is right and holding on to the scriptural truth that pleases God. For instance, if your parents tell you to lie, cheat in exams, hurt and bully others, steal, or tell you not to go to Church or read the Bible, then you can disobey your parents because they are going against God's will. But in all other aspects,  it is right for children to obey their parents so that they might enjoy a long life on earth.  

At age twelve, while returning from a yearly festival, Jesus stayed back in Jerusalem. When his parents couldn't find him for three days, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. They found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this?

Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you. Jesus asked them, why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house? Then, He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them." Lk 2:41-52. But later in life, though He still honored his parents, He obeyed his heavenly Father's will more than his parent's wishes. If Jesus, being God's son, obeyed his earthly parents, should we not obey and honor our parents?

III. Christian Parents are commanded to raise children in God's ways.

 Vs. 24, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." NASB

Raising children in the ways of God is a command for every Christian parent. It takes both mother and father to instruct, train, and discipline children so that, hopefully, they will grow up to be men and women of God. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 13:24, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."

This careful discipline and instructions must begin at a very early age. Parents, you would only have five years before your child starts to talk back and become defiant. In the name of love and wanting to be friends with their children, modern-day parents abdicate their God-given responsibility and let their children get away with any and everything. In certain states, laws prevent Christian parents from exercising their responsibility of raising them in God's ways.

Christian parents are warned to exercise wisdom while raising their children. Paul's instructions to parents, "Do not exasperate your children; "do not provoke your children to anger." In what ways might parents provoke their children to anger? 1. Excessive punishment for a minor mistake. My Dad beat me up for losing a toy. 2. Unwise comparison of your child's IQ with others. (My Dad frequently compared me with my older brother).

3. Showing favoritism among children. 4. Broken promises. 5. Being too busy for your children. 6. Punishing or ridiculing your children in front of others. 7. Losing your temper and lashing at your children. Christian parenting is a tremendous responsibility. Let us ask God to give us wisdom so that we can bring up our children in the ways of God.

 

 

Keys To A Healthy Marriage

                               KEYS TO A HEALTHY MARRIAGE

 

We have all heard people saying, "Marriages are made in Heaven." This popular idiom suggests that two individuals were ideally suited to each other, like a match made in heaven. Most married people realize it takes a lot of hard work to make marriages survive and be healthy.

This past Sunday, we had a wedding in the Balla household. As I walked my second daughter down through the Hope Church aisles, I reflected on the heavenly wedding scene. Here I was, a father walking my daughter Jemimah, which means radiant, passing through the cheering witnesses and presenting her to Joshua, which means servant.

In heaven, our God the Father would present the radiant Church to our bridegroom, Jesus Christ the great Yeshua, who came to save and serve us. I don't know whether or not marriages are made in heaven. But I do know that God is the originator of Marriage. In recent years, this God-ordained institution of Marriage has come under attack. Whether you are married, single, or not currently in a marital relationship, the Apostle Paul shares a few keys to a healthy marriage in Ephesians 5:21-33. Before we discuss them, let us explore the profound mystery of Marriage.

I. Being Intimate In Marriage is the Profound Mystery.

The reading of the passage is directed towards married people and those wanting to be married one day. Singles could also learn the principles of a healthy marriage to help others. Ironically, the advice on a healthy marriage comes from Paul, who was never married. Paul was not jealous of those who were married. Instead, he recognized Marriage as a gift from God, as was his singleness. (I Cor 7:7). I know a few people who honor God with their gift of singleness.

My wife and I have been cherishing this gift of Marriage for nearly thirty years. This is not to say that we never had any problems or challenges in our Marriage. We have plenty of them, as any couple would have, but we have learned and tried to live by biblical principles that would make Marriage enjoyable and healthy. It begins with this profound mystery of Marriage.

Ephesians 5:31, "For this reason a man will leave his father, and mother, and be united to his wife, and they two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery. Here, Paul reaffirmed that God ordained Marriage between a man and a woman since creation. In Marriage, God ordained that man and woman will enjoy sexual intimacy, which is a profound mystery.

My wife often says that in a Christian marriage, behind closed doors, a bit of lost paradise is restored when a husband and wife come together in sexual union. Intimacy between married couples is the glue that bonds them together physically, spiritually, and emotionally. If you want your Marriage to remain healthy and enjoyable, you don't deprive each other of intimacy.

I Cor 7:5, "Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then, come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." How are you keeping this crucial aspect of Marriage vibrant if you are married? Raising children, a demanding work schedule or health challenges could prevent married couples from regularly enjoying this God-given gift of intimacy.

Do whatever it takes to protect those private and intimate moments. Don't start cold-shouldering each other. Once you have restored sexual intimacy within your Marriage, use these keys to cultivate a healthy marriage, and they are Submission, Love, and Respect. 

 

I. Submission to one another is a form of Worship of Christ.

Ephesians 5:20-21, "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." To submit to one another is not based on whether or not the other person deserves it; instead, we are to submit to one another in the fear of Christ.

Jesus showed the greatest example of submission by making himself nothing and taking the nature of a servant. He submitted to the authorities and died the death of a criminal on the cross so that those who believe in Him might be saved (Phil 2:1-11).

In that same way—because of Christ and what He did for us—we should value others. That means being willing to give ourselves up for others or regard others as more important than ourselves (Phil 2:3). Paul's command for the wives is, "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the Church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:22–24).

There is much misunderstanding in our world today about the roles of husband and wife within a marriage. Many modern, even Christian wives reject this command of God to submit to their husbands. Many Christian husbands abuse it and mistreat their wives. Submission is not a bad word.

In Marriage, submission is not a reflection of inferiority or lesser worth. Christ submitted Himself to the will of the Father without giving up His worth. Similarly, a wife willingly submits to her husband unto the Lord because she loves Jesus. The wife's submission to the husband does not allow the husband to be selfish and abusive.

Commentator Matthew Henry wrote, "The woman was made out of Adam's side. She was not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved." The apostle Paul explains how God commanded husbands to love their wives.

II. Husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the Church.

When we want our wives to submit to our leadership in Marriage, we are commanded to love them as Christ loved the Church. How did Christ love the Church? He loved the Church with all its imperfections. He sacrificed himself to purify her by washing her through the Word.

How could husbands sacrificially love their wives? You love your wife through kind words and selfless deeds. You graciously overlook her offenses. You love by giving up your rights and preferring her needs over your needs. You shower her with compliments.

You affirm her beauty by treating her as a precious gem and the queen of your heart. You unselfishly serve her as Christ served the Church by laying down his life for her. When a wife is loved by her husband, as Christ loves the Church, then submission is not difficult. After handing the keys of submission and love, Paul gives the key of respect to wives for a healthy marriage.

III. When a wife respects her husband, it enhances his positive self-worth.

            The apostle Paul has this to say to both husbands and wives. Vs.33, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Wives, did you know that your husband's greatest need is to be respected? When my wife Wilma respects and admires me, it energizes me, and I am willing to do anything for her.

Gary Smalley, a marriage expert, explains how deeply the need for respect influences men: "He hungers for sincere admiration and respect; he will gravitate toward those who admire him." The dictionary provides these definitions: Respect: to feel or show honor or esteem for; hold in high regard. Honor: to respect greatly, regard highly, and treat with courtesy. Wives, please pay attention to this advice by Kerry Clarensau on respecting husbands. "We must remember that men so closely connect respect to love that they will actually feel despised when we disrespect them. Naturally, they are repelled by people who despise them.

Respect is so important to a man that he might be tempted to leave a beautiful wife who disrespects [1]him to be with a less attractive woman who admires him."

            King Solomon had much to say about quarrelsome wives. Read Prov 19:13, 21:9, 21:19 at home. You may find strong statements, but they give you a glimpse into a man's feelings. Husbands, how are you loving your wives? Wives, how are you respecting your husbands? Mutual submission, love, and respect keep a marriage healthy and joyful for a long time.

 

 

 

 

---

[1] Kerry Clarensau, “Secrets Transforming Your Life and Marriage.” Page 65.

Be Filled With The Spirit

                                            BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

     Do you indulge in a glass of wine every now and then? You are not alone, according to a newsletter for a medical group: "More than 85% of adults report drinking alcohol at some point. In 2020, alcohol consumption in the U.S. spiked, with heavy drinking increasing by 41% among women. Among other factors, this rise in numbers could be attributed to COVID.

Alcohol affects your body quickly. It is absorbed through the lining of your stomach into your bloodstream. Once there, it spreads into tissues throughout your body. Alcohol reaches your brain in only five minutes and starts to affect you within 10 minutes.

After 20 minutes, your liver starts processing alcohol. On average, the liver can metabolize 1 ounce of alcohol every hour. A blood alcohol level of 0.08, the legal limit for drinking, takes around five and a half hours to leave your system. Alcohol will stay in urine for up to 80 hours and in hair follicles for up to three months. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08 or more are 11 times more likely to be killed in a single-vehicle crash than non-drinking drivers.[1]

If you don't want to get killed and possibly kill others, don't drive your car under the influence. In our series on "A Pathway to Christian Living," the passage in Ephesians 5:14-20 gives us, the followers of Christ, a warning and a command on how to conduct our lives. It also contrasts worldly or fleshly behavior and the Spirit-filled behavior of believers in Christ.

1.     Devastating Dangers of Drunkenness.

Paul encouraged the Ephesian believers that they were the light in the Lord. Because the days were evil as the children of the light, they were to live with utmost care. While using their best judgment, they were to make the most of every chance they got and ensure they understood what their Master wanted. He warned them not to get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.

Similar warnings and instructions apply to all of us, too. Is it a sin to drink alcohol, according to the Bible? Can Christians drink? Although the Bible does not explicitly mention that drinking alcohol itself is sinful. Christians can drink, but remember, do not drink excessively to the point where you get drunk. The Bible does say several times that drunkenness is sinful.

For that reason, God condemns drunkenness over and over throughout the Bible. Over the centuries, the church has debated whether Christians should drink alcohol and wine, what amount is acceptable, and so on. Some believe Christians must stay away from alcohol altogether, and others feel a moderate drink once in a while is okay.

There is nothing wrong with wine. In the Bible it was given to gladden human hearts (Ps 104:15). Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding of Cana. Jesus hinted that in heaven, He will drink wine with us. (Matt 26:29). Sinful people abuse what is not inherently sinful. Let's see the spiritual and physical ramifications of drunkenness. Prov 20:1, "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Isaiah 5:11, "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine."

 In the NT, we read severe warnings against drunkenness, as it is associated with other sins. Gal 5:19-21The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The context of why Paul commanded the Ephesians believers not to get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, was "Bacchus, the God of wine. His worship had extended centuries before the Christian era over the Greek and Roman world. It had degenerated into an orgy of drunkenness and unnamable immoralities."[2]

Drinking too much wine leads one to debauchery. The meaning of debauchery is extreme indulgence in bodily pleasures and, especially, sexual pleasures involving sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. Here is a graphic explanation of how a drunken person behaves. Proverbs 23:29-35. "Who are the people who are always crying the blues? Who do you know who reeks of self-pity?

Who keeps getting beaten up for no reason at all? Whose eyes are tired and bloodshot? It's those who spend the night with a bottle for whom drinking is serious business. Don't judge wine by its label, or its bouquet, or its full-bodied flavor. Judge it rather by the hangover it leaves you with the splitting headache, the queasy stomach.

Do you really prefer seeing double, with your speech all slurred, Reeling and seasick, drunk as a sailor? "They hit me," you'll say, "but it didn't hurt; they beat on me, but I didn't feel a thing. When I'm sober enough to manage it, bring me another drink!" (The Message). I am not being self-righteous here when I say I never drank alcohol out of personal conviction except for some occasional wine. I don't know what it is to get drunk, but it does sound pathetic.

I've seen how many lives have been destroyed due to alcohol addiction. When there are so many adverse effects on our health and relationships, is it worth getting drunk on alcohol? As God's children, we must be filled with the Spirit instead of getting drunk on wine.

2. Be Filled With The Spirit

Paul lays out a contrast between a life that is influenced by alcohol and a life that is filled with the Holy Spirit. They are vastly different. A life that is addicted to alcohol, in the end, leads to death. In contrast, a life filled with the Holy Spirit leads to eternal life. Here are a few characteristics of those filled with the Holy Spirit. First, the Spirit testifies to our Spirit that we are God's children. Rom 8:16. As God's children, the Spirit empowers us to live fulfilled lives.

Second, the Spirit-filled Christian is joy-filled. When we come together during our Sunday service, that joy can become contagious as we encourage one another with Psalms, hymns, and songs as the Spirit enables us. You can sing songs of praise to the Lord not only in public worship but also privately. When I am on my own, driving, cleaning the house, or in the shower, I often sing to the Lord from my heart. Some of you can sing to the Lord through music. 

Third, the Spirit-filled Christian is grateful. He gives thanks in all circumstances. When we thank God our Father in Jesus' name for everything we have, we have no time to complain and grumble over what we don't have. What do we do if you, your loved one, and your grown-up children are addicted to alcohol? If you are struggling with this addiction, repent of the sin of drunkenness and ask God to forgive, fill you with His Spirit and set you free from this bondage.

If it is your spouse or children, confrontation may further alienate you from them. Instead, take the approach of a father in the OT named Job. He offered early morning sacrifices for his ten children, who feasted, drank, and partied at night. It was his custom. He did that thinking, "Perhaps his children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." (Job 1:4-6). 

In this case, we earnestly pray that God would have mercy on our loved ones and children and lead them to repentance. In closing, we have looked at the devastating dangers of drunkenness and also saw the contrast between a life that was addicted to alcohol and a life that was filled with the Holy Spirit. I want to ask you, where is your life today? Is it under the influence of alcohol? Or is it filled with the Holy Spirit? If anyone is here addicted to alcohol, please see me or write to me. I will pray with you and offer you some resources.

 

 

 

---

[1] Source: Northwestern Medicine, “How Alcohol Impacts the Brain,” (March 2021)

[2] Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'BACCHUS'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915. 

 

A Pathway To Christian Living: Living In The Light

                                                 LIVING IN THE LIGHT

            In preparation for this sermon, I learned a new word called Photosynthesis. Simply put, Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make their own food. This big word can be broken down into two words: “photo,” which means light, and “synthesis,” which means putting together. From the two smaller words, it’s clear that the process involves plants using light to join things together. This process takes place in the leaves of green plants and trees.

            Using sunlight, plants synthesize nutrients from water and carbon dioxide and produce oxygen as a byproduct.[1] It would be impossible to overestimate the importance of Photosynthesis in maintaining life on Earth. If Photosynthesis ceased, there would soon be little food or other organic matter on earth. Most organisms would disappear, and the earth’s atmosphere would become nearly devoid of gaseous oxygen in time.[2]

            Photographers know the value of light, so they carry their own light to take breathtaking photos. When and who created such a critical source of energy called light upon which our existence depends? What would the earth look like, void of light? Who in the world claimed to be the Light of the World? What does it mean to live as Children of Light? Ephesians 5:8-14.

            We are picking up our series, “A Pathway To Christian Living,” again from the book of Ephesians. The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians is one of Paul’s five “Prison Epistles.” A quick overview. Watchman Nee divided the Epistle into three parts by highlighting three key action words for us to remember. 1 Our position in Christ—“SIT (1:1-3:21). 2. Our Life in the World—“Walk” (4:1-6:9) 3. Our Attitude to the Enemy—“Stand” (6:10-24). Today, we will examine what it means for Christ’s followers to live as Children of Light. Ephesians 5:8-14

I. God Is The Creator Of Light

            In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. On day one, God said, “Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Gen 1:1-5).

            After creating the light first, God created everything else, including the Man and the Woman. He put them in the Garden of Eden to take care of it. The ecological, biological, and animal worlds thrived and were in perfect harmony until man sinned by disobeying God’s commands. Everything was disrupted, including man’s joyful relationship with his creator.

            The light that gives life was gone from man’s spirit due to sin. In its place, darkness filled his heart, making him wicked. He began to grope in spiritual darkness. He became fearful, confused, filled with rage and violence, not knowing where He was going. However, deep down in his heart, he yearned for that peaceful relationship he once enjoyed with God. Who will deliver humanity from Spiritual Darkness and bring forth Spiritual Enlightenment?

II. From Spiritual Darkness to Spiritual Enlightenment

            The prophet Isaiah foresaw how humanity can move from Spiritual Darkness to Spiritual enlightenment. Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” This is what Zachariah prophesied about the role of his son John. Luke 1:76-79, “because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Jesus, the rising sun, the true light, came into the world. Many didn’t recognize Him, but the lives of those who recognized Him were changed.

            The apostle Paul, also known as Saul, was one of those who radically changed upon encountering the true light from heaven. Paul was an educated Pharisee who fiercely defended the Judaic faith. He was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples and obtained letters from the high priest to imprison anyone who followed the way.

            See how dramatically his life was changed on his way to Damascus. Acts 9:3-4, “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” That encounter with the true light changed his entire life. (Acts 9:1-19).

            Once spiritually enlightened, Paul went around preaching the Good News and establishing churches, including the one in Ephesus. While writing to Titus, one of his sons of faith, Paul explains how people living in spiritual darkness behave. “It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, easy marks for sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back.

             But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:3-8, The Message).

            In Ephesians 5:8,10-14, Paul reminds the Ephesian believers how they were spiritually enlightened in the Lord. Because now they belonged to that light, they were to put away shameful and fruitless deeds of darkness. Paul listed some acts of darkness in Ephesians 5:3.             Like the Ephesian believers, we once lived in spiritual darkness, satisfying our fleshly desires contrary to the Holy Spirit. Because of His love, God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son he loves.” Col 1:13. Jesus claimed to be the light of the world, and now, as his children, we are called to live in the light.

III. Living In The Light As The Children of Light.

            Natural light is essential for physical life, and Jesus, the divine light, is critical for spiritual life. Living in the light as the children of light begins by acknowledging that we are now in the sight of God, and out of Love for Him, we will try to do what pleases the Lord. How do we know what pleases the Lord? By daily praying and reading God’s Word.

            As God’s children, the Holy Spirit will enlighten our Spirits on how to live in the Light through God’s word. Here are a few essential habits we can develop as we determine to live in the light. First, living in the light means living a Holy life as it is God’s will for us. I Thes 4:3-5. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”

            Second, living in the light means living in the right relationship with God and our fellow brothers and sisters in God’s family. (I John 1:5-7). How we get along with our brethren tells much about whether we live in the light. To an extent, John says, “Anyone who loves their brother or sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going because the darkness has blinded them.” (I John 2:9-11). As God’s children, we must take this warning seriously. How are your relationships in the Church?

            Once we work on these vertical and horizontal relationships within the family of God, we can reflect God’s light to others. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16.

 

 

 

---

[1] https://www.kremp.com/kids-photosynthesis-guide/#:~:text=Simply%20put%2C%20photosynthesis%20is%20the,light%20to%20join%20things%20together.

[2] https://www.britannica.com/science/photosynthesis