Note: This post is part of a series on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Click here to view all posts.
“You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
There’s a remarkable shift in Ephesians chapter 5. Paul doesn’t say we were in darkness; he says we were darkness. And now, in Christ, we are light. That’s not just behavioral change. That’s a total identity transformation.
We were lost, blind, and broken in our sin. Darkness ruled our thoughts, desires, and decisions. But then Jesus entered our lives not to polish us up but to resurrect us. His light shattered the shadows. Now, by grace, we belong to him, and we carry his light with us.
“Walk as children of light,” Paul says. Live as who you are in Christ. That means your life bears the marks of grace. Truth. Purity. Kindness. Courage. Not perfectly, of course, but genuinely. Not to earn salvation, but because you already belong to the Light of the world.
Walking in the light also means being honest.
We don’t pretend to be perfect. We confess our sins and cling to Christ’s assurances of forgiveness. His light doesn’t expose to shame; it exposes to heal. And nothing brings healing for sin and shame but God’s gospel message of life and forgiveness, freely given in Christ Jesus.
Light has a ripple effect. It spills out. It touches others. When you speak words of encouragement, when you refuse to gossip, when you choose integrity over convenience—that’s light shining. That’s Jesus’ love and light being reflected through you as you walk through this sin-darkened world.
This world is full of shadows. But you were made to shine. You were redeemed to reflect the one who saved you so others might have the opportunity to hear about, see, and know their Savior too.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Light of the world, thank you for calling me out of darkness and making me your own. Help me walk in your light today. Shine through me in my words, my actions, and my attitude. When I fail, reassure me of your forgiveness and love, and help me reflect your truth in every part of my life. In your name I pray. Amen.
Discover what God wants you to know about the unsearchable riches of Christ, which are yours by faith, and the love of Christ, which surpasses all knowledge, Ephesians: The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, a devotional commentary by Pastor Roy W. Hefti.
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Scripture references come from the Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version. Click here to learn more about this translation. Have questions about the Bible itself? Check out a helpful series here.
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