Looking Like We Live In the Light – March 18, 2026
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:8-14
Looking Like We Live In the Light
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Imagine this: A patient had just finished surgery. The nurse gently peeled off the bandages and told him to keep his eyes closed. Then she said, “Okay, slowly open your eyes.” Light poured in. At first, everything was blurry. But then, little by little, shapes became clear . . . colors appeared . . . and finally, he could see for the first time in his life! His world had completely changed.
We haven’t had that kind of surgery, but something similar happened to us spiritually. The Bible says: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8). That’s a big deal! We weren’t just in darkness—we were darkness itself. We couldn’t see how lost we were, and there was no way we could make ourselves see the light.
But then Jesus, the Light of the world, came into our hearts. He didn’t wait for us to figure things out. He shined his light on us, showing us that we are forgiven and loved. Suddenly, our hearts were no longer in darkness, they were full of light!
Now our lives are different, just like the patient who could see for the first time. The Bible says we should “live as children of the light.” Before, we only cared about ourselves. Now, we want to do what is good and pleases God.
That looks like:
- Speaking kindly to others, instead of hurting them with words.
- Helping others, even when it’s not easy.
- Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Why? Because we have seen the light of Jesus, and we get to live in it every day!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in you the darkness turns to light. Help us live as children of the light. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- A night-light helps us walk safely in the dark. How is Jesus like a night-light for our hearts and lives?
- Where can we look to “find out what pleases the Lord” (v.10)? (Hint: think about a special book we read or listened to in church or at home!)
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Agree or disagree: The life of someone living in darkness looks different from the life of someone living in the light. Why do you think that?
- What are some ways kids can make sure they keep living in the light?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Temptation sometimes tries to pull us back into darkness. When we mess up, what does Jesus want us to do to stay in the light?
- Do you have friends who don’t know Jesus yet? How could you share the light of Jesus with them?
