Choosing Light over Darkness

By: Lola Oni

Monday, November 4, 2024

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

God sets apart the people He calls and redeems them by grace, all for His glory. Christ Followers are called to be different; our words and deeds should reflect God's light, not the world's darkness. When He calls us, we must either choose life with Him or condemnation. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Our motivation and reason for choosing God is to show Him our love and demonstrate our obedience. When we choose to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, gentleness, and endurance, it will be evident to people around us. On the other hand, we must also choose to flee from any appearance of evil.

...hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

A great example of fleeing evil is when Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife as she tried to seduce him (Genesis 39:11-12). Joseph's quick action separated him from a dangerous, sinful situation. If he had delayed fleeing or negotiated with the temptress, it could have been disastrous. "Pursuing" and "fleeing" are opposites, but they actually go hand in hand in the life of a Christ follower. Each day we must choose which path we'll travel. If we'll ask Him, God will guide our choices, prompting us to choose the ones that best reflect His love and grace to everyone around us.

I will instruct and teach you in the way you should go... Psalm 32:8

The Holy Spirit guides us and instructs us, and He teaches us how to glorify God; we must make Him part of every choice we make, and every step we take. He is our source for the godly wisdom we need to do life right. He also helps us stay away from unhealthy, unholy interests like pride, greed that do not glorify God. Anyone else need godly wisdom today? I know I do!

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless. Proverbs 2:6-7

Ask God to help you make wise choices, and to provide for your needs. Then find contentment in Him and Him alone!

Read: James 1:5, Psalm 32:7-9, Isaiah 30:21, John 14:26