“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light” (Eph. 5:13).
We don’t need to talk about disgraceful things “done in secret” (5:12) since God will expose them by His own Light. The word exposed suggests the idea of dragging something from the dingy corner where it hides into the light of day. When that occurs, it is exposed for all its ugliness. Sin, like its author the Devil, likes to veil its true self and present itself in a favorable light. But when it is exposed to God’s righteousness, it is seen in its true form.
Have you noticed that Paul speaks of the work of grace in three stages, all related to the Light? First we are exposed to the Light, then we become Light in Christ, and then we allow the Light to shine through us, exposing the evil around us. When the Light breaks through and shines on a person it creates both crisis and opportunity. It creates a crisis because it exposes sin and darkness and calls me to decide to dwell in darkness or come to the light. The opportunity presented is to shun the darkness and choose Light.
Don’t miss the important role that you can play in bringing others to the Light. As we receive Light, we become luminous. The Light of Christ demonstrated through our lives, should cause others to desire to come to the light. Our actions and our words must be consistent for our witness to bear fruit. (This is the thrust behind the SPLASH strategy, which emphasizes Showing People Love and Sharing Him. See splashinfo.com for more information.)
Prayer: Father, I invite You to shine Your Light through my life, words, and deeds. Amen.