If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin (1 John 1:6-7 MSG).
I am filled with a spirit of conviction and truth whenever I read this passage from 1 John. God is always present in my life, no matter where I am or what I am doing. Although I may be able to tell lies to myself and even to other people, God is always aware of the truth.
Night blindness is something I have struggled with for close to five years now—which means that I am no longer able to drive at night, which is a very frustrating restriction. It was a scary situation when this problem first started. It was like attempting to operate a vehicle with only a peephole in the windshield. I had a vital choice to make then: either I kept driving in the dark, crossing my fingers that I wouldn’t get into an accident, or I did what was responsible and not drive after it got dark.
Even though each of the verses above refers to a slightly different concept, it is still possible to recognize the parallels between them. Anyone can have a relationship with God—but walking in His light (truth and obedience) requires us to come out of the darkness (sin and worldly ways).
When I was younger, I often heard people use the “putting on your church pants” phrase. Even though it might be a silly expression, the meaning behind it is correct. On Sunday mornings, we get dressed in our Sunday best and head to church. We also change our attitude and demeanor to reflect our best Christian selves. Monday through Saturday, our lives are busy and can be difficult, which can lead us to do things that take our attention away from God and cause us to sin. That is why we need our Father God and His guidance to help us navigate life better. He is aware that none of us is perfect.
I am comforted to know that God is my Light in this dark world, and I am grateful for His acceptance of me in spite of my flaws—and His encouragement that helps me to keep trying. I am grateful for His love that washes away my sin and enables me to consistently choose to be my true best self—every day, not just on Sunday.
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