This week’s devotions are based on Week 4 of Building Together: “Let the Light get in!” (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 5:18-20 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A light is most useful when it shines beyond itself.
Think about a porch light on a dark evening. It does not exist simply to make the porch look brighter. It helps people find the door. It allows a neighbor to see the walkway. It makes it possible to move safely through the darkness.
God’s light works in our lives in a similar way.
Paul has spent much of Ephesians 5 reminding us what it means to walk in the light. Now he turns our attention toward what that light looks like in the life of a Christian. He says, “Be filled with the Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit works through God’s Word to fill us with Christ. He creates faith. He strengthens faith. He reminds us of God’s promises. He leads us to repentance and assures us of forgiveness. The Spirit does not simply make us feel more religious. He points us again and again to Jesus.
And when Christ fills our hearts, something begins to happen in our lives.
Paul says we will speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We will give thanks. We will encourage one another. Our relationship with God begins to shape our relationships with people.
That is an important part of growing together.
Christian growth is not simply about becoming a better individual. God grows us together as His people. We learn to encourage one another. We forgive one another. We carry one another’s burdens. We worship together. We give thanks together.
Think about a campfire. One piece of wood can burn by itself, but when several pieces are gathered together, the fire becomes stronger and brighter. In the same way, God gathers His people together around His Word. As we receive His grace, we encourage one another and help one another remain in the light.
Notice that Paul says, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.”
That can be difficult. We can find plenty of reasons to complain. We see problems in our families, our churches, our communities, and our own lives. Yet Christian thanksgiving does not mean pretending everything is good. It means trusting that God is good even when circumstances are not.
The greatest reason for thanksgiving never changes.
Jesus Christ has died for our sins. He has risen from the grave. He has forgiven us. He has brought us from darkness into light. He has given us the Holy Spirit and made us His own.
That Gospel changes how we live.
So as you go through today, ask yourself what kind of light you are bringing into the lives of the people around you. Are your words encouraging or discouraging? Are you quick to complain or quick to give thanks? Are you looking for ways to serve or waiting for someone to serve you?
You do not have to create the light yourself.
Christ has already given you His light.
Let His light shine through you!
Reflect: What is one way you can bring the light of Christ into someone else’s life today? What is one thing you can thank God for today, even in the midst of circumstances that may be difficult?
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me out of darkness and into the light of Christ. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit, who creates and strengthens faith through Your Word. Fill my heart with Your truth and grace. Help me encourage others with my words, serve them with my actions, and give thanks even when life is difficult. Let the light of Christ shine through me so that the people around me may see Your goodness and grace. Keep me close to Your Word and gathered with Your people until the day You bring me into the perfect light of heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.