Walking in the light...

OK, I know what the armor of God is all about, and I know that the Holy Spirit is there to help me understand Scripture and to guide me and comfort me. So, how do I know whether I am winning or losing against the powers of darkness?

That question can be answered by asking yourself what it looks like when Satan wins. Paul tells us a few things to look out for in Galatians chapter 5, verses 19-21:

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Obviously, if Satan keeps us from inheriting the kingdom of God, He has won. Paul goes on to tell us what victory looks like, and where it comes from:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (vs. 22-26)

The fruit of the Spirit. How do I come by the fruit of the Spirit? John the Beloved Apostle tells us in his first epistle:

If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all^b]"> sin. (v. 6, 7)

And in his Gospel he tells us:

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

What does it to mean to "walk in the light" and "to love darkness?" Perhaps, it is easier to deal with the latter phrase first. When people do evil things, they like to do them where no-one can see; in some obscure location, or in a dark alley; in secret, as it were. What are commonly known as "confidence games," or "cons" for short, involve telling half truths and outright lies in order to get the "mark" to provide money for a venture which the "con man" represents as an opportunity for profit. Only, he doesn't give the "mark" all of the information; he obscures the details (one of which is that the only profit will be for the con man). The Spanish word for "dark" is "oscuro," which comes from the same root as the English word "obscure." So "to love darkness" means to be secretive, less than forthright, dishonest; or quite literally, to do things under cover of darkness, so as not to be found out.

The Apostle Paul talks about having a clear conscience (1 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Timothy 3:9; 2 Timothy 1:3). Those who love darkness do not have a clear conscience. They hide their activities and their motives. They are not "walking in the light as He is in the light."

Have you ever noticed that little children are very honest about things? Yes, I know, they can lie through their teeth if they have an ulterior motive, but they can be absolutely guileless at times. Usually those are the times when Mom and Dad wish they had a little more tact and diplomacy! "Mom, are you growing a mustache?" Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3) He was telling the disciples that they must be guileless, be dependent on their Father in heaven. That is walking in the light.

Christian soldier, are you walking in the light? Are you being transparent with those around you? (James 5:16) Are you confessing your sins, knowing that God is faithful and just to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness? (1 John 1:9) Are you speaking the truth with grace? (Ephesians 4:25, 29) Are you shunning fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather exposing them? (Ephesians 5:11)

Do you have any secrets from your wife (other than the nature of her birthday gift)? Do you have a clear conscience before the customers who patronize your business? Do you have anything you need to share with the college student who just bought your used car? Is there anything that you worry someone will find out about you? (If so, I suggest you go to your pastor and discuss this worry with him.) Remember, Satan is the father of lies and there is no truth in him. (John 8:44) Remember, too, that if he can get you to believe those lies, he wins. And if he can get you to participate in those lies, he has you firmly in his grasp. You are a prisoner of war.

Don't worry, the Commander-in-Chief has ransomed you. Remember, He came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captive free. (Luke 4:18) Walk in the light, as He is in the light, and you will have fellowship and the blood of Jesus will purify you from all sin.