As a priest, I often find myself addressing challenging scriptures that confront our daily lives. One striking verse is found in 1 John 1:6, which states, “If we claim to have fellowship with him, and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth”. This particular verse serves as a stern warning and challenge to all of us who claim to have a relationship with God. The essence of Christianity lies beyond merely voicing our beliefs, but significantly reveals itself through our actions.
The concept of walking in darkness represents a sinful life- a life persistently engaging in disobedience against God and His Holy teachings. As scripture details, the term ‘walk’ is frequently meta-referenced as a metaphor for our daily lives. Therefore, when John was referring to those walking in darkness, he directly addressed those proclaiming to be followers of Christ, yet, contradictory to their profession, engaged in ungodly living. These behaviors often include such sins as “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-21). Ultimately, living in such darkness centers around self-satisfaction, as opposed to pleasing God (Ephesians 2:3; Romans 1:24-25). Thus, we must continuously question our motives: do we focus on pleasing only ourselves, or do we strive to pleasure God?
Indeed, those deflecting God end up living for themselves, and thus, inevitably, walk in darkness. Albeit, it’s quite plausible even for those identifying as followers of Christ to live self-serving lives. Such a temptation tricked Eve and Adam into disobedience, made evident when the serpent tempted them by promising that they could be like God, knowing good from evil (Genesis 3:5). Ever since that historical downfall, humanity has desired to be like God, establishing personal notions of reality and morality – yet, in our flawed state, we often misconstrue what God deems evil and righteous.
As for those devotees of differing theistic religions who acknowledge a transcendent Being, they, too, often live in darkness. Their fundamental issues lie in their refusal to admit to their moral imperfections, their inability to meet God’s standards, and their outright rejection of Christ. True religion acknowledges the Lord through Christ, believing that only He is righteous and only He can connect us to the Lord above (1Timothy 2:5).
The converse of walking in darkness is living in the light; a state achieved when we turn to the one true Light of the world. Through Christ’s sacrificial act of redemption and the Holy Spirit’s regenerative power, we transit from the kingdom of darkness to that of light (Colossians 1:13-14). “Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8), “You are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness” (1Thessalonians 5:5).
Unfortunately, many critics argue against the gospel using the clearly visible contrast between the belief and behavior among Christians. We can’t deny that when we identify with Jesus Christ, we create an expectation for transformation, even from outsiders. Many people have turned to Christ due to witnessing the drastic change into a godly lifestyle by a friend or family member following Christ. This therefore poses the question: Are we genuinely living the truth of the gospel in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and churches? Or, despite our declarations of faith, do we persist in walking in darkness?
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