The danger in our losing touch with the non-Christian is that they are not exposed to the Light. Remember, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bucket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house" (Mat. 5:14-15).

II. The Results of the Present Life (vv. 9-13)

Just as walking in the darkness produces negative results, walking in the light produces positive results.

Notice the characteristics of walking in the light that Paul lists in the verses before us: A Christian who walks in the light will bear good fruit (vv. 9-10).

There will be the fruit of goodness. Goodness means moral excellence. This person will take the high road rather than the low road. He will seek to be morally good, right, and pure. There will also be the fruit of righteousness. Righteousness simply means a right relationship with God and with man. This righteousness is revealed in a persons character and integrity.

There will be the fruit of truth. Paul had already admonished the Ephesian Christians to put away lying and speak truth (4:25). Truth means that there is no deception in what we say. The day in which we live is crying out for people of truth and honesty. In this area of life alone we could be a great light in a dark world.

Lastly, there will be fruit of obedience. "Find out what is acceptable to the Lord" (v. 10). Walking in the light results in a life that seeks to please God. There will be a disciplined determination to know what pleases God followed by a prompt action in doing it.

There are certain things that those who walk in light will do, but there are also certain things that they will not do.

First, they will not fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (v. 11a). Fellowship means to participate in the works of darkness. One of the downfalls in many Christian lives is their close association with the things of the world. When a Christian participates in the ways of the world his light of influence and testimony is extinguished.

However, fellowship with the Lord and His Word and His people will build up the Christian and make him stronger and brighter.

Secondly, the Christian who walks in the light will be a means by which sin and evil in others will be exposed. Does your Christian witness shine brightly enough to expose the evil where you live and work? As the people of God who have been delivered from darkness and given the Light of life, let us walk in the light that our lives will bring glory to Him. (Roger D. Wilmore)

Fifth Sunday in Lent (A)

March 17, 2002

God's Glory

John 11:1-45

A lazy young boy went with his mom and aunt on a blueberry-picking hike into the woods. The boy got the smallest pail possible to pick the blueberries. While his mom and aunt picked blueberries, he lolled around throughout the morning. Finally his mom called out that it was about time to leave for home. Panic stricken the boy hurriedly filled his pail with moss and topped it off with a thin layer of berries. When his mother and aunt saw the pail full with what they thought were all blueberries they commended him for his fine work.