Enlightened Living
Enlightened Living
“For you were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light ( for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness , righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible. “
Ephesians 5 :8-14
What if there was no light ?
Without light there is no direction, no beauty nor fruitfulness. For it is light that gives clarity to our way, to see and reach our destiny. Because of light we can identify colors that give beauty to things around us. With light we can see the beauty of a flower , of the fields, of the ocean and the rest of nature. Without light a plant can never grow. For sunlight is a very important factor for the growth of a plant. A plant can never produce food without sunlight .So without light, there is no productivity among plants. Without light we live in a world of danger, deception and death. This is true in the physical realm as well as the spiritual realm.
Because of the light believers have in Christ they are able to become persons whose lives are characterized by direction, beauty and fruitfulness . As the moon reflects the light of the sun, the light of Christ is reflected in us believers as we continue to live in accordance with the ways and will of God. So as we remain in the center of God’s will, our lives are characterized by great purposes, great vision, great meaning and great productivity. It has become a display window of God’s glory. This is what we may call as “enlightened living.”
Enlightened living is possible only in Christ. For in Christ there is forgiveness of sins. In Christ we become not only as loved but dearly loved children of God. To the one who has received Christ – the sun has risen, a new day has dawned. In Christ, we become new creation and we found new beginning and a great hope in the future.
Enlightened living is seen in the quality of our relationships. The real proof that our lives have been enlightened by Christ is not in our accomplishments nor in our knowledge but in the quality of our relationships. The number of ministries we have, the number of books we have read are not valid proofs of our enlightened living.
It is seen in our relationships in general as we walk in love. We are to be free from the perversions of love such as sexual immorality which is a perversion of human relationship, foolish talk and coarse joking which is a perversion of communication and idolatry which is a perversion of worship. People may worship money, career, romance as gods.
It is seen in our relationship to the Lord. Are we dedicated and “in tune” with Him. Are we honoring the precepts of His Holy Word ? Is God our First Love ? Do we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength ? Are we obedient to His commands in the Bible ? Do we fellowship and commune with Him regularly ? Do we honor Him with our talents, time and substance ?
It is seen in our fellowship with fellow believers. It is evidenced by helpful communication and a humble heart. Are we in good speaking terms with our fellow household of faith ? We have to renounce whatever grudges or resentments we are harboring against our fellow believers in the Lord.
It is also seen in our relationship to our family members. It is important to follow rules and responsibilities given by God to each member of the family. The wife is to recognize her husband’s authority and help him reach his potential as a leader . The husband must love his wife as Christ love the church. Parents are to be careful not to fuel their children with anger and invite hatred for them. The light that truly shines, shines brightest at home.
It is also seen in our relationship in our workplace. We should not forget that Jesus is also our boss in the workplace. We must do our best in performing our duties at work as we are serving the Lord. As it is written “ Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.”
There is no greater way to live earthly life other than “enlightened living.” You cannot exchange it for any kind of lifestyle the world gives. This is still the best way to live our earthly life for only in living such way, we are able to live life at its best. Don’t settle for anything less than “enlightened living” for there is no better alternative. This is the kind of life coupled with much heavenly blessings.
This hub is an excerpt from the Vesper Worship message Of Grace Bible Church (Manila, Philippines) as preached by Brother Benjie Baclagon on January 22, 2012.
