In Ephesians 5:6-14 Paul exhorts the Christians in Ephesus to no longer allow the forces of darkness to influence them but instead to live in a way that truly reflected who they had become. They were now children of light.

For us who are Christians and children of light, God wants us to be ever shining brighter in this dark world. But how can we, as children of light, continue to shine brighter for the glory of God?

Paul expresses in his letter to the Ephesians his desire for them to grow in their knowledge of Jesus and all the spiritual blessings they now have through Him. Ephesians 1:16-17.

To go back to old practices meant they lacked a true knowledge of Jesus and were no longer shining as children of light. Ephesians 5:20

For these Ephesians to continue to shine as children of light they were to grow in their knowledge of Jesus and His expectations. Notice Ephesians 5:7-10 and verse 17

As children of light we also have a responsibility to grow in our knowledge of Jesus and His will.

A great contributor to darkness is deceit. In Ephesians 4 & 5 Paul refers to the deceit that comes from lust, false doctrines, lies, empty words and false philosophies. All were intrinsically a part of the culture of Ephesus.

In contrast to deceit is Truth. The concept of Truth is mentioned in Ephesians 4:15, 4:20, 4:25 and 5:8-10. We cannot shine as Children of light when we are influenced by deceit. On the other hand as we embrace and practice the truth we can begin to affect and impact those around us.

In his letter, Paul tells the Ephesians not to be involved in filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting (5:3-4). Also they were not even to mention the evil deeds done in secret (5:12). In Ephesians 4:29 he says that they were to let no unwholesome word proceed from their mouths but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. We become clearly noticeable as children of light we when refuse to speak inappropriately.

We can never hope to be children of light when we look and behave like all those around us. Paul tells the Ephesians not to be partakers with the sons of disobedience (5:7). Furthermore, he commands them not to participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness but to expose them (5:11).

We shine as Children of light when we grow in our knowledge of Jesus, embrace truth, speak fittingly and avoid participating in unfruitful deeds.