Light Living: Walking in the Radiance of Christ
As believers, we are called to live in the light of Christ—a truth both comforting and challenging. A recent reading from Abide Above reminds us that our position in Christ is already secure. We are no longer in darkness but have been brought into the light of His presence, as Ephesians 5:8 declares:
"You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."
The challenge lies not in earning or finding this light, but in realizing and living out the reality of where we already are: seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) and walking in His light here on earth.
The Light Above the Fog
Life often feels like groping in a dense fog. The pressures of the world, the weight of our struggles, and even our own doubts can obscure the clarity of our heavenly position. Yet the truth remains: above the fog, the light shines brightly.
H.F.W., as quoted in Abide Above, paints a vivid picture of this reality:
"It is clear daylight above the fog, and all we want is to get high enough. Now, the fact is, we are risen with Him."
Through faith, we are lifted into the clear light where Christ is. This is not a future promise but a present reality. Our spirits are already anchored in Him, and by setting our affections on things above (Colossians 3:1-2), we can rise above the fog of earthly distractions and walk in the fullness of His light.
Where We Walk vs. How We Walk
A crucial distinction is made in this devotional: the question of where we walk must be settled before we focus on how we walk.
Where We Walk: As believers, we are no longer outside the “golden palace”, wandering in the darkness of the world. We are in the light of Christ, in the very presence of God. This is our position, secured by the finished work of Jesus.
How We Walk: While our position in Christ is unchanging, our walk often reflects the process of growth and maturity. We stumble, falter, and learn, but our walk is always grounded in the light of His presence.
As 1 John 1:7 reminds us:
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
Fellowship is not something we attain through effort; it is the natural consequence of walking where He is.
Inside the Veil, Outside the Camp
Another striking image from today’s reading is the contrast between being "inside the veil" and "outside the camp."
Inside the Veil: This represents our position before the Father. Through Christ, we have unrestricted access to God’s presence. We are fully accepted, beloved, and secure in Him (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Outside the Camp: This is our calling to live in the world as strangers and pilgrims, reflecting the light of Christ to those around us. As 2 Corinthians 5:20 declares, "We are ambassadors for Christ."
We are never called to live for Christ in the world until we first embrace our identity in Him before the Father. This dual reality—resting in Him above and representing Him below—is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in both privilege and responsibility.
The Privilege and Responsibility of Light Living
Living in the light is both a privilege and a responsibility. As Abide Above puts it:
"As a Christian I am now in Him before the Father, as He is in me before men."
This dual truth reminds us that we don’t live in isolation. Our lives are meant to reflect the glory of Christ’s grace to the world. This is not a burden to bear alone but a life made possible through the Holy Spirit. He enables us to enjoy our heavenly privileges while equipping us to fulfill our earthly calling.
A Life of Gratitude
Gratitude flows naturally from the realization of our position in Christ. Paul’s words in Colossians 1:12 capture this beautifully:
"Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light."
Our qualification is not based on our efforts but solely on His grace. This gratitude fuels our walk, turning even the mundane into worship as we live out the light of His presence.
A Prayer for Living in the Light
Father, thank You for bringing us out of darkness and into the light of Your Son. We rejoice that our place is secure in Him, above the fog of this world. We rejoice as you teach us to set our hearts on things above, to walk in the light as You are in the light, and to reflect the glory of your grace to those around us. May our lives be marked by gratitude, fellowship, and the radiance of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.