Fighting the Negativity In the Darkness
You don't have to look very far to realize that this world is a dark place. Evil lurks in all the little corners, waiting to jump out and attack Christians. The devil can't have our souls, but he can try to take our joy.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6
It's so easy these days to use words - in person, over the phone, through a text or on social media - to tear someone down. When you're not face-to-face, it's easier to use words that will hurt and hinder rather than build up and encourage.
Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Ephesians 5:7
But that is not our place. We are not to team up with those who speak unkindly, and we are not to stoop to that level of communication.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Ephesians 5:8
We are no longer walking in darkness like those who would destroy and conquer. Jesus Christ has left His light inside us to glow brighter than any darkness the world may try to envelope us with.
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9
We are known by our fruit - by the good words, the righteous words, the true words that we share with others. The love of Christ comes pouring out when we're filled to overflowing with His Word.
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:10
Darkness, hatred and anger are unacceptable to the Lord. Uplifting, edifying and comforting one another with our love through words is all He will accept.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11
This is our opportunity to fight. Not with words that are equally angry and hateful, but with the sword of the Lord and His Word of truth. Loving, caring, kind, soft words can stop the fire before it burns out of control.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. Ephesians 5:12
Why should we even try to explain what's been said in anger, what's been shouted in hatred and what's been whispered in evil tones? Repeating those words of evil just keeps the darkness swirling around us.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Ephesians 5:13
But the Light is out there. God has placed the Light of Christ in the world to keep the darkness at bay. It doesn't have to swallow us up and steal our joy. The Light is manifest just for us.
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Ephesians 5:14
We need to awaken from the sleep of complacency. We should wake up to the truth of the darkness that lives right outside our door. We have to be aware of how the Light can be used to fight the evil that pokes and prods at us day after day. It comes from Christ alone.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Ephesians 5:15
Be diligent in using words that share God's love. In walking as a testimony every day. In staying as close to the Light as possible so the darkness has nowhere to grab on. This is the wisdom that the Lord shares with us in quiet times, in times of hardship and moments of peace.
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
The people who are in darkness, who have never been to Calvary to meet Jesus Christ, will seek solace in their negativity. Nothing will ever be good enough in their eyes because they have chosen to focus on the darkness.
It's our responsibility then to buy back the time wasted in darkness and negativity. We are the only ones who can take the light of Christ in ourselves and share it with a lost and dying world. The days are evil, but God is bigger and brighter than they think.
The Light brings understanding, peace and joy. This is the Light that will illuminate the darkness and drive it away for good.
Rest in the Light.
Enjoy the Light.
Share the Light.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6
It's so easy these days to use words - in person, over the phone, through a text or on social media - to tear someone down. When you're not face-to-face, it's easier to use words that will hurt and hinder rather than build up and encourage.
Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Ephesians 5:7
But that is not our place. We are not to team up with those who speak unkindly, and we are not to stoop to that level of communication.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Ephesians 5:8
We are no longer walking in darkness like those who would destroy and conquer. Jesus Christ has left His light inside us to glow brighter than any darkness the world may try to envelope us with.
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9
We are known by our fruit - by the good words, the righteous words, the true words that we share with others. The love of Christ comes pouring out when we're filled to overflowing with His Word.
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:10
Darkness, hatred and anger are unacceptable to the Lord. Uplifting, edifying and comforting one another with our love through words is all He will accept.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11
This is our opportunity to fight. Not with words that are equally angry and hateful, but with the sword of the Lord and His Word of truth. Loving, caring, kind, soft words can stop the fire before it burns out of control.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. Ephesians 5:12
Why should we even try to explain what's been said in anger, what's been shouted in hatred and what's been whispered in evil tones? Repeating those words of evil just keeps the darkness swirling around us.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Ephesians 5:13
But the Light is out there. God has placed the Light of Christ in the world to keep the darkness at bay. It doesn't have to swallow us up and steal our joy. The Light is manifest just for us.
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Ephesians 5:14
We need to awaken from the sleep of complacency. We should wake up to the truth of the darkness that lives right outside our door. We have to be aware of how the Light can be used to fight the evil that pokes and prods at us day after day. It comes from Christ alone.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Ephesians 5:15
Be diligent in using words that share God's love. In walking as a testimony every day. In staying as close to the Light as possible so the darkness has nowhere to grab on. This is the wisdom that the Lord shares with us in quiet times, in times of hardship and moments of peace.
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
The people who are in darkness, who have never been to Calvary to meet Jesus Christ, will seek solace in their negativity. Nothing will ever be good enough in their eyes because they have chosen to focus on the darkness.
It's our responsibility then to buy back the time wasted in darkness and negativity. We are the only ones who can take the light of Christ in ourselves and share it with a lost and dying world. The days are evil, but God is bigger and brighter than they think.
The Light brings understanding, peace and joy. This is the Light that will illuminate the darkness and drive it away for good.
Rest in the Light.
Enjoy the Light.
Share the Light.
Comments
Post a Comment