1 Thessalonians 5:5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

This chapter is well loved for a number of sections, particularly verses 16-21, but there are several others as well. This particular verse was set to music rather memorably around 50 years ago, though sadly, the group that recorded it later got tripped up by the devil’s schemes. They weren’t living out what they were singing! That is a risk for everyone, but particularly those with a public ministry. The better known someone is, the more they become a target, because of how many people they might bring down with them. Paul was thankfully aware of this, and was particularly careful. (1 Corinthians 9:27) In recent memory, Billy Graham famously would not be alone with a woman other than his wife. That was consciously walking in the light! We do have good examples like that of people who walk wisely, and we need to follow them! The light is available to us as the natural domain of all who believe in Jesus, but we need to choose to walk in it. Jesus made several remarks to that effect. It is when we walk in the light that people see the light reflected off of us and are drawn to Jesus, who is the source of all true light.

This is something I can preach on easily, and I have done so many times, but I’ve got to walk it out and not just preach it to others! It is interesting how much allure dark things can have at times. It is sad but not surprising how popular Halloween has become in recent years. That whole trick is nothing new, but I’ve got to be aware of it and resist it firmly. It is very encouraging to me that, at least in the US, light seems to be shining into many of the dark places of the government – and some of them are very dark! The exciting thing is, similar things seem to be happening in many other countries as well. I am to rejoice in that, but not let such things distract me from walking in the light myself. As John said, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) That is to be my desire and my daily practice, so that nothing will pull me away from fellowship with my Lord and Savior.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You indeed for the light that seems to be shining in Washington D. C. and elsewhere. May I not be distracted by that, but be faithful to walk in Your light myself, so that more and more people may be drawn to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!