As children of the light, we are called to reflect Christ’s goodness, righteousness, and truth in everything we do. Discover how embracing this identity transforms our lives and impacts the world around us.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
Downloads and Links
Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/living-as-children-of-the-light/ or on our YouTube channel.
Introduction
As we continue our series on Walking in the Light, we’ve already explored Jesus as the Light of the World, guiding us through life’s challenges and dispelling darkness. In the last message, we saw how His light leads us even in the midst of darkness, offering hope and clarity. Now, we shift our focus to what it means to live as children of the light. This identity not only transforms how we live, but it also compels us to reflect Christ’s light in a world filled with darkness. Living as children of the light is both a daily commitment and a spiritual journey of growth, as we strive to live in a way that reflects God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth to others.
Our Identity as Children of the Light
The first step in living as children of the light is embracing our identity in Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are not merely stepping out of the darkness; we are transformed into bearers of light. This transformation is not superficial but a fundamental change in our spiritual DNA.
Ephesians 5:8 teaches us:
Ephesians 5:8
(8) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
Paul’s words here remind us that our identity prior to Christ was one not just in darkness but that we were darkness itself. In our sinful nature, we were separated from God and lived according to the desires of the flesh. The darkness was not merely external; it was a condition of our hearts.
But through Christ, everything changes. His redemptive work on the cross brings us out of darkness and into the light, giving us a new identity. It is an identity rooted in His righteousness. This shift is both a spiritual reality and a call to action. We are now to live as light in the Lord.
Our identity as children of the light is both a gift and a calling. The gift is the unearned grace that God bestows upon us when we come into the light of Christ. However, this gift comes with a responsibility: to reflect His light to others. 1 Peter 2:9 reinforces this:
1 Peter 2:9
(9) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
To live as children of the light means that our lives should be marked by the qualities that characterize God; goodness, righteousness, and truth. This transformation happens inwardly through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, but it also manifests outwardly in our actions and attitudes. It is not enough to simply avoid the darkness; we must actively live in the light and let that light shine through us to the world.
Living in the Light
Living as children of the light requires a conscious decision each day to walk in the light of Christ. This is more than avoiding sinful behaviors; it’s about pursuing a lifestyle that honors God. We need to allow the light of Christ to influence our choices, actions, and relationships.
Ephesians 5:9-10 says:
Ephesians 5:9-10
(9) (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) (10) and find out what pleases the Lord.
These three attributes—goodness, righteousness, and truth—are the hallmarks of a life lived in the light. They are both the evidence of our transformation and the tools by which we reflect Christ’s light to others.
Goodness reflects the character of God. When we live in goodness, we act in ways that reflect love, kindness, and compassion toward others. It’s not just about doing good deeds, but about having a heart that seeks to benefit others selflessly. Galatians 6:9 encourages us:
Galatians 6:9
(9) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Righteousness refers to living in right standing with God. It is about aligning our lives with His will, both in our private lives and in how we interact with the world. Living righteously means standing up for justice, defending the oppressed, and conducting ourselves with integrity. Romans 6:13 reminds us to offer ourselves as instruments of righteousness.
Truth is foundational to our walk in the light. Jesus, the embodiment of truth, calls us to live honestly and transparently, aligning our lives with His teachings. In a world often clouded with falsehood and lies, we are called to be people of truth, speaking and living according to the Word of God. As John 17:17 says:
John 17:17
(17) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Walking in the light is a continual process of learning and growing in what pleases the Lord. This involves immersing ourselves in Scripture, seeking God’s direction in prayer, and being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in our faith, we begin to develop discernment, knowing what aligns with God’s will and what doesn’t.
The Christian walk is not about legalism but about relationship. As we grow closer to God, we naturally begin to live in a way that pleases Him. Our desires change, and our actions align with His heart. It’s a process of daily surrender and intentionality, allowing His light to guide our steps.
Reflecting the Light to the World
As children of the light, we are not called to keep the light for ourselves but to let it shine brightly in the world. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16:
Matthew 5:14-16
(14) "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) 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. (16) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The world is filled with darkness; sin, suffering, and brokenness. As children of the light, we are called to shine Christ’s light in these dark places. This means our lives should reflect His goodness, grace, and truth. Every interaction we have is an opportunity to show others the light of Christ.
Reflecting the light is not about perfection. It’s about authenticity. This is allowing others to see God’s love at work in our lives. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, standing up for justice, or simply sharing our faith, we have the chance to be a beacon of hope to those still lost in darkness.
Our lives are meant to be a living testimony of God’s grace. As we live in the light, others will see the transformation in us and be drawn toward the truth.
Philippians 2:15 encourages us:
Philippians 2:15
(15) so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Our actions, words, and lifestyle should all point others to Christ. This is not about drawing attention to ourselves but about glorifying God through the way we live. The way we navigate challenges, the kindness we show others, and the truth we stand for can all be used by God to lead others to the light.
Conclusion
Living as children of the light is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is a daily commitment to live in a way that reflects God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth. In a world filled with darkness, we are called to let our light shine, not for our own glory, but to point others to the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.
As we continue in this series, we will look deeper into the eternal nature of the light of Christ. In the next message, we’ll explore how the light of Christ not only impacts our present lives but also points us toward the eternal hope we have in Him. Let us hold fast to the light, knowing that as we live as children of the light, we are part of God’s greater plan to bring His truth and love to the world.
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