“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Eph. 5:11).
We are continuing in the theme of darkness and light. Since we are children of the Light, it becomes apparent that it is no longer desirable for us to participate in the deeds of darkness. The old life lived in darkness was essentially a waste of life and therefore rightly described as unfruitful.
Life is essentially a matter of fruit or no fruit in the sight of God. The unfruitful life is often characterized by strenuous activity of man who attempts to do good in human strength as opposed to the natural development of the Light of God within man which leads to an outward manifestation of good (Godly) fruit.
Since darkness has been banished by the coming of the Light, there must be no participation in the old deeds of darkness. The responsibility of the believer is to “expose” or “reprove” them. This does not suggest a “finger-pointing-pharisaical-approach-to-life.” The goal in exposing darkness is to share Light. The goal is conversion. The life of the believer should be so radical and so appealing that it exposes the sin of others and leads them to desire the Light that shines from within us.
Prayer: Father, I pray that Your light will show through me to expose the futility of darkness. Amen.