Photo by Zhu Liang on Unsplash
Have you ever noticed how plants in a dark room will stretch and bend toward even the smallest ray of light? This phenomenon, called phototropism, demonstrates an innate wisdom in nature. Plants don’t simply endure darkness—they actively seek light, redirecting their growth and transforming their very structure to capture more of it. No matter how faint the light source might be, these living organisms will orient themselves toward it with remarkable determination, sometimes contorting into unusual shapes just to receive more illumination.
When was the last time you found yourself in a dark season of life? Perhaps you felt disoriented, uncertain which way to turn. Like those plants, something within you may have instinctively reached toward even the faintest sources of hope, comfort, or clarity. That inner compass drawing you toward light exists even when your surroundings seem shrouded in shadow. Consider how your spirit naturally leans toward what brings life and growth, even unconsciously.
This natural movement toward light reflects a profound spiritual reality about our own transformation. Just as plants don’t merely stand near light but actively reorient themselves to receive it, we too are called to more than passive proximity to goodness and truth. We are designed to turn toward and embody light in our innermost being. When we consistently orient ourselves toward what is life-giving, we don’t just reflect light momentarily—we gradually become its source for others, our entire nature slowly transformed by what we continually turn toward.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 ESV)
Paul reminds the Ephesians of their dramatic transformation from being darkness to becoming light in the Lord. This transformation isn’t just about having light, but actually becoming light—our very identity has changed through Christ. Because this new identity calls for a new way of living that reflects who we now are—children who embody the light of Christ.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 ESV)
John connects walking in the light with both community and ongoing purification. As we live openly and transparently before God and others, we experience deeper fellowship and continuous cleansing because light creates spaces where authentic community can flourish and where Christ’s redemptive work continues to transform us.
Spiritual Move: Confession—To bring what’s hidden in darkness into the light. When we acknowledge our shortcomings and sins before God and trust others, we step further into the light and experience freedom and healing.
Journaling Prompts:
1. In what areas of your life are you still walking in darkness, hiding from God’s light?
2. How might your relationships change if you walked more fully in the light with others?
Group Discussion Questions:
1. What does it practically look like to “walk as children of light” in your daily life?
2. How does living in the light affect your closest relationships?
3. What makes confession and transparency so difficult in our culture today?
4. When have you experienced the freedom that comes from bringing something into the light?
We’d love to hear from you! What stood out, and what would you add to the conversation? Drop your thoughts or questions in the “Leave a Reply” section below, (Click the Read in Browser link). — You never know what you might get started.