ESOCS Devotional 23 May 2026 – Living as Children of Light
MEMORY VERSE: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 KJV
TEXT: EPHESIANS 5:1-14
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”
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From the time of the Law and the Prophets, up to the New Testament Era of the Gospel, the Bible has always been concerned about the living style of believers. In verse 8 of our text, Saint Paul admonishes that since we now have light from the Lord, we should shun darkness and live as Children of light. Within and around Christians and true believers, the light of God only produces what is good. Children of light should therefore carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Moreover, children of light should expose, rather than take part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness. In fact, as children of light, it is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in darkness. However be it, every dark and evil intentions will be exposed when the light of God shines on them. In other words, light makes everything – good or bad, visible. Little wonder Jesus says in Matthew 5:14, thus: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” So, let your light so shine that all may see.
Furthermore, as children of light, we should imitate God in everything we do. We should live a life filled with love – following the examples of our Lord Jesus Christ. It follows therefore that fleshly conducts such as sexual immorality, impure thoughts, greed or lasciviousness, should not be mentioned amongst children of light. Similarly, obscene stories, foolish jokes, envy and jealousy, etc. should be far from us.
On the positive side – as expressed by Apostle James, (James 1:27b), children of light should show concern for orphans and widows; for the poor and the needy. All children of light should demonstrate love, mercy, humility, patience and honesty in all their relationships. In likewise manner, sincere prayer and submission to God’s Will in their daily life, should be made a habitual lifestyle. This is how to live as children of light.
Reflections
- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.
Prayer
- Lord Jesus, light up my life the more.
Further Reading: Exodus 1:7-22; 1 Kings 2:1-12; John 1:35-51
ESOCS Devotional 23 May 2026
