For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
(John 3:20)
A few years ago I ate at a restaurant that was recommended by a friend. It had been a long day for me with several meetings, duties and errands so that by the time we got to the restaurant it was near their closing time. They seated us anyway and I must say the food tasted wonderful. The atmosphere of the restaurant seemed pleasant, the lights were very low with a sprinkling of candles throughout. While we were finishing our strawberry cheesecake dessert, the waitress came to our table and asked if it was okay if she started cleaning the restaurant. She was very polite and we were almost finished so of course we told her it was okay.
Then something happened that changed the entire evening. The waitress turned on the lights. I could hardly believe my eyes. The floor was covered with crumbs. Grease spots were on the wall. Straw covers were stuck in the chair and the table had a dull film on it. I almost gagged. The place was filthy.
God is light. 1 John 1:5 says “…that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” The world is living in darkness. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 that as Christians we were the light of the world and in Him was no darkness at all. We are commanded in Ephesians 5:8 to walk as children of light.
If you were walking in the woods at night and I instructed you to walk in the light, you could only do that if you had a flashlight or a lantern with you. To walk in the light, there must be light. No matter how much you tried to see in the darkness, it would be impossible without light and the light will only shine if you have it.
Sometimes as Christians we are trying to get the world, which is in darkness, to walk in the light. It’s impossible. Our first goal must be to give them the light, to impart to them the light of God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 that we are to let our light shine before men in such a way that they would see our good works and glorify God. That’s why Christians must walk in love, honesty, character, and integrity. Even though we are in the world, we are not of the world. The world lives in darkness, but we are the children of light.
Years ago I saw a bumper sticker that said, “God cleans His fish after He catches them.” Of course, this is not scripture and only a slogan, but there is some truth in it. Cleaning that is done in the dark is only superficial. True clean up comes after the light of the gospel has been shed in our hearts and we have been born again into the Kingdom of Light. Then we can walk in the light as children of light. Then God can reveal His truths to us and expose areas that need change so that we can mature and grow in the Word. Cleaning your house at night with the lights off is futile. Only in the light of day can true clean up take place.
Reference Scriptures
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
(Eph. 5:8)
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He who came by water and blood; Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
(1 John 5:5-7)
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
(Matt. 5:14)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
(John 12:46)
Copyright © Larry Ollison Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.