A Person who wants to walk in the light of God must do away with the deeds of darkness. 1 Peter 2:1 threw more light on what constitutes the deeds of darkness when it said: “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Mark the phrase “rid yourselves.” The things that we are to rid ourselves of are the deeds of darkness. There is no way we will experience spiritual growth if we are still fumbling with the deeds of darkness. It is like climbing a mountain with heavy unwanted baggage. This is why John argued that if we say that we have fellowship with Him (God) and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth (1 John 1:6).
A man who walks in the light has done away with the deeds of darkness. Such reflects the beauty or characteristics of Jesus as seen in the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) and such is the goal of a man who desires to grow in the spirit. It signifies spiritual maturity.
Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Hebrews in Hebrews 5:12-14 expressed frustration when he told them that they have remained immature believers despite how long they have been in the faith. One of the sure ways of growing into spiritual maturity is diligent and regular study of God’s Word. But it does not end there. The individual studying the word must have a determination to live it out. It is by living out the word of God that a person can be said to be walking in the light. The Bible said in Matthew 55:16, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify God.
Paul admonished Timothy to study (not just read) the scripture so that he will “rightly divide” the word. So, he must have what he is teaching at the tips of his fingers, or as GNB translation puts it, he should be one who correctly teaches the message of God’s truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Romans 13:12, is a call to self-examination. It is a call to get rid of sin in your life so that you can walk in the light. Paul admonished us to cast away the works of darkness. To cast something away means to take it, to seize it, and to hurl it away.
To cast something away, we have to grab it and reject it. It requires certain fierceness. We need God’s grace to be able to accomplish that in our lives. Darkness is real and spiritual darkness is worse. Darkness clouds our minds not to see the depths of our sinfulness and deadness as God sees them. Paul went further to tell us to put on the armour of light. Light causes darkness to flee. The Bible is clear about where darkness comes from. We live in darkness when we refuse to be governed by God. We live in darkness when we do not accept God’s authority over our lives. The practical duty for everyone who wants to walk in the light is to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Whatever thing you find within which is akin to “darkness,” pluck it out and cast it away!
• Today’s nugget: Put away the works of darkness. Prayer: Lord help me to do away with the works of the flesh.
• Prayer lines: 08033299824. E-mail: amadiabelukachi@gmail.com. Rev. (Dr.) Abel Ukachi Amadi. General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria
