| The Christian Life | July 1943 |
Love vs. Selfishness
Walking In The Light
“Walk as children of light, … proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.”—Ephesians 5:8-10
THE fifth chapter of Ephesians presents a number of interesting expressions descriptive of what it means to be a Christian. The “children of light” in our text, are the “dear children” of God in verse 1, being His children because they follow our Lord’s example of living. These “children” who, in verse 8, walk in the “light,” are said, in verse 2, to wall in “love.” Those who, according to the 10th verse, prove “what is acceptable unto the Lord” are the wise ones of verse 17 through their understanding of the divine will.
To walk in the light, then, means to walk in love. Jesus walked in love, as verse 2 indicates, because He gave Himself for us as a sacrificial offering, which was to His Father a “sweet-smelling savor.” If we walk in love we, too, will give ourselves in sacrifice, laying down our lives for the brethren and doing good unto “all men” as we have opportunity, “especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”—I John 3:16; Galatians 6:10
The self-seeking spirit side-steps the privilege of sacrifice and seeks personal comfort and advantages, often at the expense of others. The selfish quay has always been the way of darkness, of which Satan is the sponsor. It is responsible for all the sorrow, hatred and bloodshed mankind has experienced.
Those who are walking in the light should constantly be on the alert to discern the Heavenly Father’s will in the affairs of life. Obedient children of the light will interpret the Word in keeping with the spirit of love. They will not misconstrue God’s commands to justify themselves in a selfish course.
As the children of God walk in the light of divine love, they seek every possible opportunity to sacrifice themselves in the divine cause and for the blessing of others; and they will endeavor to make sure—to prove—that their efforts are acceptable to God. They will realize that true love not only prompts sacrifice, but also governs the manner in which it is made.
As love “suffereth long and is kind,” the children of light will endeavor to be longsuffering and kind. As love “envieth not,” they will not envy. As love “vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” they will not vaunt themselves but will be humble. As love does “not behave itself unseemly,” they will walk circumspectly before the Lord. As love “seeketh not her own,” they will gladly sacrifice their own for the blessing of others. As love is “not easily provoked,” they will be even-tempered. As love “thinketh no evil,” they will think upon the things that are good. As love “rejoiceth not in iniquity,” their rejoicing will be in the truth. Yes, they will endeavor, by God’s grace, to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things; for love never faileth.—I Cor. 13:4-8