11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. – Day 4: Ephesians 5:11 – 13

That word secrecy. Sometimes when I think about my life the word secrecy comes to mind in relation to how I live at times. It’s a pattern of behaviour I’ve probably learnt and carried over from my family of origin. Now my secrets don’t seem huge and these days they are more around eating snacks late at night or drinking this or that – activities that won’t land me in prison! But nonetheless they are activities I often hide from others – usually my wife. These verses focus on a similar pattern, namely ‘deeds done in the darkness’ and what can be done about them. 

I find it encouraging that the way of getting rid of ‘fruitless deeds of darkness’ – whatever they might be in a person’s life – is not about trying to stop them or turning off the darkness, but rather they will cease once they are exposed by light. As the light of Jesus shines into our lives – as we read his word as we pray to him and open our lives to the lovingly searching eyes of his spirit – then the darkness retreats. The other part to this good news is that we then become a light to demonstrate Jesus’ love to others as we are filled by his light. 

What if you are struggling with ‘fruitless deeds of darkness’? I would encourage you to pray to your Father who knows you better than yourself, confess to Him these deeds of darkness and ask Him to shine His light into your heart and open a way for you to share your struggles with a trusted friend. 

Tim Hewlett – Creek Road Campus