We once were darkness. We not only were in darkness, but we were darkness (Eph. 5:8). Apart from God’s grace, we would have been ultimately in the “gloom of darkness” forever (2 Pet. 2:17). But our God has called us out of that darkness. As He once called to Adam and his wife who were hiding from Him; and as He once called Abraham out of the darkness of idolatry in Ur of the Chaldeans, so He has called us, too. We have been called out of the darkness and distance that we were in, and called to His wonderful light. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 Jn. 1:5). Now all who believe are light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8) as well as brought into the Light of God’s presence. In the light, we can have fellowship with the Father and the Son, as well as with each other (1 Jn. 1:7). Amazing grace!

As brought into the light, now we are to show forth the excellencies, perfections, and beauties of the Father and the Son in our lives. We are to make Them attractive to others. How sad when sometimes the behavior of believers drives people away from believing the gospel, or drives even other believers away from gathering with the Lord’s people.

One of the thoughts of “excellencies” is “moral goodness.” The apostle Paul, with a little different idea, tells us that we are to “adorn the teaching which is of our Savior God” (Tit. 2:10). Teaching (or doctrine) is not just something for our heads, but for our hands and feet. We are to understand the doctrine and then live it out. For this reason, our Father and the Lord Jesus have called us. Are we still living as if we were in darkness? May the Lord help us in His grace to show forth who He is and what He has done in our manner of life, for His glory and praise!