READING: John 3-4
It’s one of the best signs I know that the enemy’s winning in somebody’s life.
It’s living in the darkness and choosing to stay away from the light, as John described the people of Jesus’ day: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:19-20). Non-believers follow the ways of the enemy and run from the light; they instead live in their sin, avoiding any situation that might expose them to the convicting power of the Spirit of God. Unbelievers simply do not on their own ever turn to God.
I fear, though, that some believers live this same way, at least for a season. They fall into patterns of sin, buying the enemy’s lies and crossing line after line. They hide their actions, convincing themselves that no one — not even God — knows. At the same time, they sometimes attend small groups and church less frequently. Fellowship with other believers becomes sporadic. Sinful rebellion pushes out spiritual disciplines like Bible study and prayer. Giving, evangelizing, and serving decrease.
The believer who moves daily toward the darkness does all he or she can do to avoid the light. Conviction is too painful, so fleeing the light seems to make the most sense. Apart from the protecting and wooing power of the Spirit, that believer would go deeper and deeper into sin and darkness. Avoiding the light is thus not a good sign — it's an omen of trouble to come.
Simply stated: believers who live in secret are letting the enemy win. Darkness is not a place of victory.
ACTION STEPS:
- Determine if you are hiding anything. If so, confess it to God.
- If you are avoiding Christian fellowship, renew your commitment to be among the people of God at your church.
PRAYER: “Father, I want to live fully in the light. Grant me that kind of obedience today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 5-6