March 11, 2016

Walk In The Light

10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. -- Ephesians 5:10-15

Have you ever felt like you were in a time warp with the same things happening around you again and again? It’s exasperating to see someone making the exact same mistake you watched them make before, especially when you are powerless to stop them from the sure-to-come train wreck.

It always starts with a lie. Then the lie gets exposed. Why? Because lies always get exposed. Always. Sometimes it takes longer than other times but light will always expose lies.

Then comes the denial. Then the excuse. Rationalization follows. No one buys into it. The person talks on and on and gets in deeper and deeper, oblivious to what’s coming. And it does come.

People don’t like being lied to. They don’t. Lies bring consequences. And when you lie enough to the same people sometimes those consequences are beyond anything you ever expected or imagined.

I’ve never understood it. I guess I never will. It’s like this is some type of game and they just love to play. Except when you play with people’s lives it will eventually explode all around you. Then what?

Be very careful how you live. That’s what Paul was saying here. Be wise.

Don’t get involved in schemes that have no place in the light. If something seems dishonest, it is. If someone lies to you, walk away before they suck you into their mess.

And if you’re the one creating the mess, stop it! Stop lying. Stop scheming. Stop planning destruction just so you can get your own way. It’s not worth the cost. Can’t you see that? You will lose more than you could ever gain. And you’ll never get it back. Not ever. So be wise. Be careful. Be honest. And walk in the light.