Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things.  Therefore, do not become their partners.  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light-for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth-discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. Don’t participate in the works of darkness, but expose them.  For it is shameful to even mention what is done by them in secret.  Everything exposed by the light is made clear, for what makes everything clear is light.  Therefore it is said:  Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.  Ephesians 5:6-14 HCSB

Today I am writing about something that has been on my heart for a few weeks now, but has really come to surface in this past week;  my concern for those around me who seem to be so easily deceived.  Our scripture passage begins today by saying let no one deceive you with empty arguments.  I have listened to liars and watched their social media posts and am amazed by those that are taken in hook, line, and sinker.  In Ephesians 5:5 we are told to know and recognize this:  Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.  So in verse 6, when Paul says that God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things, this is what He is talking about.  I am amazed by those who are stumbling around in the dark deceived by every lie that is told to them.  It is evident in the way that we vote, it is evident in the way that evil people are praised on social media.  There is a blindness that has effected the lost of this world and quite frankly, I find it scary.  Now if you are a Christian looking around and perhaps you have realized the same thing and are wondering what is going on, allow me to explain.  You see in Matthew 13 Jesus explained why He spoke in parables.  He said that he was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah which stated that though they have ears they cannot hear and have eyes but cannot see.  This was because their hearts had grown dull and for this reason they would hear but not understand and they would see but not perceive.

Our scripture passage today tells us to walk in the light of the Lord.  God’s light does not blind us, but makes our path clear.  It guides us.  God’s light exposes the darkness and the deeds of those who choose to walk in darkness.  So when we walk with the Lord He gives us wisdom and discernment.  Sadly, for those who are not walking with the Lord, they are taken in by the evil ones and their schemes.

What has been troubling my heart in the last week is my attitude toward these people.  I know that I am to love all of God’s children.  I know that I am to forgive those that do wrong, but when you see the evil that they do and the people that are pulled in by it, it is sickening.  It almost makes me wish I didn’t see them for what they are.  Note, I said almost.  If I didn’t see them for what they are then it would mean that I am still stumbling around in the dark.  I spent my fair share of years doing that.  I spent my time without wisdom and discernment.

Since turning to God and giving it all over to Him, I have stepped into the light.  I now walk in the light and I am no longer tripping over the evil in the world.  I can see it for what it is.  I may not like it, but I can see it clearly.

Our scripture passage cautions us to not participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but to expose them. We should never be deceived into the old, “if you can’t beat them join them” mentality. If you have been taken in one too many times by evil schemers, then step out of the darkness and into the light. Give it all over to God and trust Him to guide you.

And if you are walking in the light and like me, are literally sick over those that practice evil schemes and the seemingly intelligent people who are blind to these schemes, know that God’s got this.  He will take care of them and will deal with them if they refuse to repent and change their ways.  He will do this in His timing and not ours.  If you are like me and short on patience, this may be hard to deal with, but know that He is well aware of what they are doing and just as our scripture says, God’s wrath is coming upon them.

So, what are we to do as Christians, while we wait for this.  We are to keep on keeping on, Galatians 6:9 tells us to not grow weary of doing good, for in the proper time we will reap what we sow.  Keep your focus on God, our true light source, and know that these evil people are just put here to distract us.  While they may prove to fool and distract those walking in darkness, we walk in the light.  Psalm 91:7-8 tells us that Though a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, the pestilence will not reach you.  You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.  

If you are tired of stumbling in the darkness, won’t you come into the light.  Walk in the light of the Lord and let Him guide you.  You will be so glad you did.

Have a great day!