Are You Light or Darkness? Part 2

       As technological feats increase, many are beginning to turn their gaze away from the true Light. Many feel the supernatural feats and miracles are greatly overrated. For instance, the Bible tells us: “Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the Church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15). But today, if we would be sincere, once one is sick among us, the first thing we do is to take the person to the Hospital or the nearest Clinic. In fact some Pastors when called will advise that the sick person should be taken to the hospital immediately, where they will visit and pray for thereafter! 

       Some teachings from some Pulpits today tell us to accommodate the behaviors and patterns of the world. According to these teachers, technology and society has advanced beyond what was written about in the Bible. Thus, it is only common sense to teach “inclusive” messages rather than “be ye separate” messages! To go against this is to be seen as judgmental! The Bible clearly tells us: “Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). What this simply means is for us to ensure that we don’t tolerate or condone the works of darkness. The Bible calls them “fruitless” because they are of no eternal value and will poison the heart and soul! The Bible went further to tell us: “For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in the secret” (Ephesians 5:12). Sadly, these have become the standard for successful living. The way of living that the Bible calls darkness are now celebrated and encouraged as the way to go. To stand against such, one is seen as being judgmental. No wonder the world is growing darker by the day. But Praise God, what exposes and dispels darkness is Light: The Light of God which we carry as Bond-servants and friends of the Most High God! As the Light of God is applied to these deeds, their nature is exposed. The fact that a thing looks and sounds morally good and correct does not make it godly! Because of this lack of discernment, many have opened up their lives, homes and pulpits to agents of darkness masquerading as sons of Light. 

        Beloved, what exposes the darkness around us is not only Love but Light. Lest we forget, the will of God is to cover the earth with His Righteousness as the waters cover the seas. Remember, in teaching His Disciples to pray, Jesus said: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). This means we have been called to superimpose the System of Heaven on the system of this world: “The Church in Babylon, also chosen, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son” (1Peter 5:13). Please note, the Church is situated in Babylon and NOT Babylon situated in the Church. Beloved, it is true we are in the world, but we have been called out of the world and we are not meant to be part of it anymore because our Master, Jesus Christ, was NOT part of it (John 17:16). If you believe this to be true, then your life that is light, on a daily basis must expose the fruitless deeds of darkness and NOT ALLIGN with it. 

       The Light of God illuminates and makes everything clear. We were told: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). In these evil times, if we refuse to radiate the Light of God, and instead compromise and tolerate darkness, we are in danger of being blind and led astray: “…For what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said; ‘Get up, sleeper and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you’” (Ephesians 5:14). Beloved this is a call to not only evaluate our stance, but to STAND, and STAND upright. Only then will the LIGHT of the Messiah shine on us. If we claim to be His sons and friends, but sleeping, then we are in the realm of death, and the light we claim to carry is darkness. 

       Finally, “Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, and the day light is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of Light. Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires” (Romans 13: 11-14). God bless you by granting you the Grace to shine as you make a decision to immerse yourself completely in Him, in Jesus Christ name!