Live as Children of Light
We live in challenging times. We closed the doors at St. John’s last week and have no idea when we will be able to reopen. All around us we see fear, uncertainty, and increasing panic. Nowhere has that been more evident than in our supermarkets. The word used in the bible to describe this situation is “darkness.”
How should we respond to darkness? By switching on the light. The bible says this, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” (Ephesians 5:8-9). As the world around us grows darker, it becomes all the more important for us to take a stand and live as children of the light. We may not be able to change the world, or even the nation, but we can create an oasis of light right here in this community, a place where freedom from fear, confidence, and calm prevails.
How do we live as children of light? According to the bible, we live as children of light by doing what is good and right and true. Goodness refers to taking practical action for the good for those around us, especially those who are most vulnerable. Right speaks to our character in this crisis. We need to act with integrity, honesty, and compassion rather than prioritising self-preservation at all costs. And truth ensures that this happens. It does so at one level by keeping everything open and transparent.
But truth works at another level too. Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life…” (John 14:6). Jesus is the truth. When his truth rules in us, goodness and righteousness will naturally follow. And conversely, where there is goodness and righteousness, the light of Jesus is revealed, a light that shines all the more brightly as the darkness deepens around us.
Neil Percival
How should we respond to darkness? By switching on the light. The bible says this, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” (Ephesians 5:8-9). As the world around us grows darker, it becomes all the more important for us to take a stand and live as children of the light. We may not be able to change the world, or even the nation, but we can create an oasis of light right here in this community, a place where freedom from fear, confidence, and calm prevails.
How do we live as children of light? According to the bible, we live as children of light by doing what is good and right and true. Goodness refers to taking practical action for the good for those around us, especially those who are most vulnerable. Right speaks to our character in this crisis. We need to act with integrity, honesty, and compassion rather than prioritising self-preservation at all costs. And truth ensures that this happens. It does so at one level by keeping everything open and transparent.
But truth works at another level too. Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life…” (John 14:6). Jesus is the truth. When his truth rules in us, goodness and righteousness will naturally follow. And conversely, where there is goodness and righteousness, the light of Jesus is revealed, a light that shines all the more brightly as the darkness deepens around us.
Neil Percival