My friend Larry tells the story when a few years ago, he and his wife ate at a restaurant that was recommended by a friend. It had been a long day for them with several meetings, duties, and errands so that by the time they got to the restaurant, it was near their closing time. They seated them anyway and he said the food tasted wonderful. The atmosphere of the restaurant seemed pleasant; the lights were very low with a sprinkling of candles throughout.

While they were finishing their strawberry cheesecake dessert, the waitress came to their table and asked if it was okay if she started cleaning the restaurant. She was very polite and they were almost finished so, of course, they told her it was okay. Then something happened that changed the entire evening. The waitress turned on the lights. He said he could hardly believe his eyes. The floor was covered with crumbs. Grease spots were on the wall. Straw covers were stuck in the chair and the table had a dull film on it. He almost gagged. The place was filthy.

Sometimes as Christians we are trying to get the world, which is in darkness, to walk in the light. It’s impossible. Our first goal must be to give them the light, to impart to them the light of God. How is that possible? Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 that we are to let our light shine before men in such a way that they would see our good works and glorify God. That’s why Christians must walk in love, honesty, character, and integrity. Even though we are in the world, we are not of the world. The world lives in darkness, but we are the children of light.

Cleaning that is done in the dark is only superficial. True clean up comes after the light of the gospel has been shed in our hearts and we have been born again into the kingdom of light. Then we can walk in the light as children of light. Then God can reveal His truths to us and expose areas that need change so that we can mature and grow in the Word.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8)

“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)
 

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