March 26, 2026

THE LIGHT VS THE SHADOWS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

Ephesians 5:8-14 NIV

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

In Ephesians 5:8-14, Paul uses the most striking contrast possible to describe our transformation: the difference between total darkness and midday sun. He isn't just saying we are in the light; he says we are light.

When you are in a dark room, you can't see the dirt on the floor or the clutter in the corners. But the moment the lights are switched on, everything is exposed. Paul tells us that as "Children of Light," we are called to be the ones who flip the switch.

1. The "Once" and the "Now"

Notice the past tense: You were once darkness. You didn't just live in it; it was your identity. But "now" you have undergone a molecular change. You are "light in the Lord." Light doesn't have to try to be light; it simply shines by its very nature.

2. The Fruit of the Light

Just as a plant grows toward the sun, a "Child of Light" produces specific fruit:

• Goodness: Moral excellence in action. There is no question about character.

• Righteousness: Right standing with God and right living.

• Truth: Honesty and integrity that has nothing to hide. This means you act the same in private as you do in public. 

3. The "Exposure" Test

Paul gives a challenging command in verse 11: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

• The Shadow Mindset: Thinking, "If no one sees it, it doesn't matter." This is where "roots of bitterness" and "secret habits" grow. 

• The Light Mindset: Living in such a way that if your private life were broadcast on a screen, you wouldn't be ashamed.

Light doesn't just show us where to walk; it reveals what needs to be cleaned. When light hits a shadow, the shadow doesn't fight back, it simply ceases to exist.

I have had people use this passage to justify attacking other believers who they believe are not living the way they should. I don’t believe Paul was telling us we are to be going around shining light on everyone else’s mess. This passage was for us to exam ourselves. It is the light of the Holy Spirit that exams each person’s heart. 

The "Midday" Audit

To "find out what pleases the Lord" (v. 10), we have to be willing to bring our "shadows" into the sun.

The Move: Ask yourself: "Is there any part of my life—my phone, my finances, or my secret thoughts—that I hope no one ever finds out about?" That is a shadow. Today, bring it into the light of God's grace. Once it is exposed to the light, it loses its power to haunt you.

Sometimes we need a trusted friend who helps us see our blind spots and keeps us accountable. Be sure to have some godly people in your life who can speak into your life from a relationship of loving you and loving God. 

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Thank You Father for rescuing me from the kingdom of darkness. I want to live as a child of light today. Shine Your light into the hidden corners of my heart. If there is any shadow of impurity or greed, expose it so that I can be free. Let my life reflect Your goodness and truth. Amen.

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