“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
We live in a dark, dark world…and it is getting darker. What does it mean, then, to live as children of light? Does it mean we use our social media pulpits to condemn sin and sinner alike? Or maybe we go a more positive route and post syrupy Christian sayings? In that passage, Paul says that when we live as light, we expose the darkness. That’s simply the nature of light…when light is present, darkness isn’t.
One of the greatest areas of growing darkness is in the family. We’ll talk on Sunday about living as a “family” of light.
When God created the earth and gave that beautiful gift to us to care for, it was an environment of beauty, peace, dominion, rights, health, happiness, and fellowship. It was meant to be enjoyed by us and to benefit every human – bringing glory to its Creator in the process. But as with every gift, it came with responsibilities, too. When we failed (and continue to fail) to live up to those responsibilities, the environment changed. As I write this remembering the tragedy of 9-11 I can think of no greater example of a toxic environment we’ve had a hand in creating.
God’s creation of the family is similar. It is an environment created by God – of beauty, peace, dominion, rights, health, happiness, and fellowship. Family also comes with responsibility. And like the planet, we don’t always live up to those responsibilities. So if the family environment I just described doesn’t exactly mirror your own family, you’re in good company! (That’s why the sermon series is called “This Is Us”)
Here’s the exciting news. You and I can begin to take responsibility for our homes, get rid of toxins, reflect God’s light, and re-create the environment God desires. We’ll discuss the responsibilities of priority, authority, and the individual. We’ll look at very practical ways to make your family a “family of light.” I hope you’ll join us – it’s not as daunting as it sounds.
See you Sunday!
