Men In The Light

Anyone who has ventured into Deck the Walls or a similar art store recently would undoubtedly recognize the name Thomas Kinkade. Known as the "painter of light", Kinkade is famous for a luminous "glow" he is able to create in his paintings. Long before Kinkade illuminated our lives with his paintings, however, there existed another painter of light, the apostle John. . He said "God is light" (1 John 1:5). This metaphor is used to symbolize the purity of God. John painted for us a picture of the light of God contrasted against the darkness of the world. John points out that this purity was also manifested in the life of His Son Jesus Christ (1:1-3). This set the stage for his main point: one who has fellowship with God must himself be walking in the light. "If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1:7). As Christian men, what can we do to walk in this light as God intended?

I would first point out that we can no longer walk in darkness. We cannot live in light and in darkness simultaneously. In order to step into one we must also step out of the other. "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth" (1:5-6). Just as light is a symbol of God's purity, darkness represents that which is sinful. The apostle is showing us that we can no longer sin if we wish to have fellowship with God. Because sin is not always easily recognized, we are also given a description of sin so we can be on the look-out and avoid it. "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world...For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world" (2:15-16). It is also important to remember that Satan is the ruler of this world. If you are not following God, you are following him.

As men who walk in the light, we should also reflect that light for others to see. Many of us who grew up in the church may remember as children in Bible class singing a song about our light. "Hide it under a bushel? NO! I'm gonna let it shine." This song was derived from Matthew. 5:14-16. Jesus encourages us here to "let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (v. 16). How are we to shine our lights for others to see? The answer is through our example. In this case, let us focus on how we, as Christian men, can be an example for others.

John, in speaking to his "little children", referred to them as "fathers" and "young men" (1 Jn 2:13). He said it this way not to divide them, but to place emphasis on different perspectives and strengths. He said to the young men, "you have overcome the evil one" (v. 13) and "you are strong, and the word of God abides in you." (v. 14). Newer Christians have Satan's defeat still fresh on their mind, and are often fired up with great zeal for the Lord. Paul told Timothy to "let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity , show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Tim 4:12). This zeal should be used to shine the light on non-Christians and Christians alike. In fact, I have often heard of older Christians thanking the newer ones for their zeal because of the contagious affect it can have on those who may be growing tired.

Concerning the fathers John says, "you know him who has been from the beginning" (vv. 13,14). The word "father" here does not necessarily reflect the age of the person. This statement refers to the Christian who has gained maturity and wisdom through his long walk with God. Older Christian men have a great influence on the world, but even a greater one on newer Christians. Those who are new to God's family look to those who are older to learn how to better walk in the light. Older Christian men have a great effect on the assembly of God's people, especially when they aspire to become or take the role of elders and deacons. For this reason, it is critical that the "fathers" not love the world, nor the things in it.

To be a Christian man means "to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God" (1 Peter 4:2). To walk in the light we must recognize that "if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 Jn 2:15). We must allow the light of God to reflect off of us and shine on those around us, both young and old, Christian and non-Christian (Mt. 5:14-16). Plus, we need to perform the duties commanded of us with love, and never take our eyes off the goal. Remember, "the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever"" (1 Jn 2:17).