Living in the Light

This morning I studied Ephesians 6:10-20 on “The Whole Armor of God” but as I bowed to pray, the Holy Spirit instructed me to read Ephesians chapter 5. To put on the whole armor of God, first and foremost, I had to know precisely what was required to be a soldier in the Army of God.

1. 1. Imitate God in every aspect of your life.
   2. Live a life filled with love.
   3. Follow the example of Christ.
   4. Get rid of immorality, impurity, and greed.
   5. Do not engage in listening to or speaking obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes.
   6. Do not pursue the material things of this world. Greed is the worship of false idols.
   7. Do not talk about the evil things that ungodly people do.

It is my utmost desire to be a soldier in the Army of God. The first area that I self-evaluated was the choice of words that I use in casual conversation. Deciding to change how I express myself verbally means deleting all coarse words and comments from my vocabulary.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Although my list of coarse words is not lengthy, they still need to be eliminated because they do not indicate that I serve God.

1. 1. That is not my preference will replace: “I don’t like.”
   2. Ungodly or unholy will replace: “ridiculous, crazy, craziness, and stupid.”
   3. Lack of knowledge will replace: “ignorance.”

It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 12 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible… Ephesians 6:10-13

Ouch! This is a tough challenge. Not to discuss the political chaos and civil unrest prevalent in today’s society or talk about the people whose words and actions destroy peace and unity. What is the role of a Believer? 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It is difficult to rejoice, stay prayerful, and possess a spirit of gratitude if we speak on negativity most of the time. We should not let our conversations be filled with discussing the evil-deeds of others.  If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26. By all means, we should acknowledge the situations that are shameful, unhealthy, illegal, and not conducive to maintaining a peaceful existence. Even so, we must pray for God’s Divine intervention for the condition of this world. 

Unwholesome talk is a challenging habit to break. There is a billion-dollar industry based on gossip. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17. To break free of this habit, you will have to change the people, places, and things that encourage and promote sinful conversations.

Does God want us to live to the fullest and enjoy life? Yes!

So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

To “Put on the Whole Armor of God,” we have to strive for spiritual perfection. A soldier is much more than the uniform they wear. The mindset of those who enlist in the Army of God must align with the Word of God. Suppose our thoughts, words, and actions are contrary to God’s precepts? In that case, it indicates that we are sinful in our behaviors. The domino effect is we will also cause others to fall by sending out mixed messages that God tolerates unrighteous behaviors.

Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:13-15

Attention! Soldiers of the Most High God. Prepare yourselves for Eternal life in the New Heaven and the New Earth. 

For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:8-9

Bible Readings: Ephesians chapters 5-6

God, we thank you for the guidance of your Holy Word and the Holy Spirit that reveals the things we must change to live holy and acceptable lives. Please give us the strength to break habits that cause harm to ourselves and others. We ask forgiveness for the times that we spoke words of bitter fruits. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.