Walking in the light of God

It is God’s plan for us to become more like Jesus Christ and to follow His example. Walking in the light therefore is to consider Jesus as “the Light” in the world and for us to walk in the light. This is really absolutely possible when we choose to follow his precepts (examples), living in His power and growing in His grace. Our Lord Jesus Christ has set the good example of love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, purity, holiness, self-sacrifice, etc. (Ephesians 4:32). So therefore, we ought to walk in the light by reflecting His total lifestyle. It is really important and necessary to teach every believer the need to emulate Jesus Christ as one and true example of our lives. To follow the example of Jesus Christ is to walk in the light. We should therefore follow His pattern of love, purity and humility. Following Christ example results in our Christian commitment climaxed in our dedication or devotion to God. God is still looking for people who will obey His commands, people who are beacons of light in the world that He can depend upon. May God find us worthy to be the example of the true believer both in word and deed. It is in this light I would want to ask you that how do you make Jesus Christ your example? I think these scripture passages should guide you in giving reasons to your answers (1 Corinthians 11:1, Hebrews 12:1). It is really important if I should ask further if you know the example our Lord Jesus Christ was teaching in John 13:14-15 and simply compare it with what we find amongst the Christians today (Phil. 2:5-9). In what ways can we follow the example of Jesus Christ in the following areas of our life especially in our family, workplace, school, society, church, etc. These Scriptures should direct you in your answers (Ephesians 4:31, 5:2, Daniel 1:8). Moreover, I would also want you to point out for actions taken in Daniel 3:1-4,7,12 which might also be the challenge we can experience when we decide to the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the light of the world and that is why we must teach believers this truth and that anyone who believe and walk in Him will not fall into darkness. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: He that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus is the light for the people in this world and anyone who believes in Jesus Christ will be light to the people in the word. The light of Jesus Christ should radiate from every part of our Christian living; our eyes should shine with it, our tongue speaks it, our hands holds it and our feet should be swift to let others know about Jesus Christ as the light of the word. Jesus became light to mankind so that we will become light of the world. We are expected to accept Jesus Christ into our lives so that we can shine forth His glory. It is expected that Jesus Christ should shine as light through every one of us. It is really necessary that we should walk in the light of God. Jesus is the word that dwelt among men and became the light of the world. Therefore, I will admonish you to allow Jesus Christ to rule and guide you and you will not walk in darkness. Pertinent to note in this our discussion is to teach us believers that our lives must show that we are people of the light and not of darkness. Walking in the light, means to walk in a way that is agreeable to God’s will and His word; for God’s word is a light to our path. Waking in the light also means living a life that is pure and separated from sin and evil. It is only when we walk in the light that we can truly have fellowship with God. As God’s children, we are to walk in the light as He is the light. “God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all” (I John 1:5). It is not enough to attend church, prayer meetings or prayer groups, and other programmes in the church, but we must desire to have fellowship with God. We should note that we have the presence of the person of the Holy Spirit in us and so therefore, we will be able to walk in the light (John 12:35). We are called as Christians to be light to the world. We can only be light if we allow our lives to be led by the Spirit of God. Our lifestyle must show that we are godly people who know their God and can never be tossed by any wind of doctrine; and challenges that come our way. Let us therefore allow God’s word to dwell in us richly and live by it. We are expected to show the relevance of the Holy Spirit leading in our daily walk in life. Simply put it this way that it is really necessary to be led by the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit of God reveals and exposes all secrets. To walk in the light therefore means to walk by the Holy Spirit of God (Romans 8:14) and It simply means to follow and walk in the dictates of the Holy Spirit of God. You cannot walk in the Spirit (light) and be involved in the works of darkness (flesh) because light and darkness never agree and they are great enemies. As we walk in the Spirit, we are expected to put off the works of the flesh which depicts darkness for where light is, no darkness at all. Walk in the light, walk in the Spirit, walk in the love of God and embrace Jesus Christ. Furthermore, to walk and live in darkness or the lust of the flesh will lead to destruction but living in the light of God through Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit, eternal life will be your portion. To be obedient to the Spirit of God is peace, joy, and eternal love. Let us endeavor to be led by the Spirit of God as children of light. We are expected as Christians to teach believers that we must live in love towards others on daily basis as God’s people. A Christian who walks in love always experience joy because the “fruit of the Spirit” is love and joy. And when we live in love or harmony towards others, we will have peace and peace helps to produce patience. In other words, walking in the light is walking in love which is the secret of Christian growth, which every child of God must pursue. Walking in love is a privilege and a bond of perfection. We must be imitators of God because we are God’s children. As a child imitates his parents, so ought believers to imitate God (Matthew 5:48, Luke 6:36). So therefore, as God’s children, our light must shine through our actions and deeds of love. This of course and no doubt makes us candidates of heaven. In these last days, we must ensure that our love for God and man does not wax cold. We should also note that the spiritual gifts we possess is not a guarantee that we will be in heaven but only the fruit of the Spirit which is manifested in our lifestyle and character can speak for us. We must endeavor to love our neighbors sincerely and whole heartedly especially when our love is most needed. For our love covers a multitude of sins (I Peter 4:8). - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode