“…for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason, it says, Awake sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Eph. 5:12-14)

This chain of verses tells us about the work of light rather than darkness. Darkness has no power over light. The darkness cannot put the light out. It cannot diminish the light. Light, on the other hand, does have power over the darkness and even the smallest amount of light will cause darkness to flee.

To the faithful saint, the works of darkness should be so repellant that they would not wish to speak of them much less participate in them. Yet, the Christian must use his light to expose the darkness. Once the light of Christ is shined, the darkness is expelled and whatever was hiding in the darkness is exposed. Darkness hides, light reveals.

When those who bear the light hide it under a cover, darkness is emboldened. And, what was done in secret comes into the open within the darkness. If the world is becoming a dark place then it must be because those who bear the light are not shinning their lights into the darkness.

Christ is the light of the world and when and where he is revealed his light exposes the darkness and dispells it and its evil. Christians should be reflectors of the light of Jesus and when they allow the light of Jesus to reflect off of them the works of darkness are exposed.

Notice in verse 14 how Paul identifies darkness with death or sleep. Those in darkness need to wake up and let the light of Christ illuminate them. The faithful saint becomes a living flame, a torch of fire, light in a darkened world. Arise, Christian, from the darkness of death and find your life in the light in the light of the world.

Task for today: Have your own personal awakening. Embrace the light as never before. Shine, shine, shine. Let there be no darkness around you as you walk through the world today.