Light Living - Part 1
Do you have that one closet at home stuffed with old clothes—jeans from the early 2000s, socks that barely qualify as fabric anymore, and that shirt you’re convinced will make a comeback? We all do. And sometimes, the only way to make room for something better is to let go of what no longer fits. In Ephesians 4 and 5, Paul uses a similar metaphor to challenge us: since we’ve been made new in Christ, it’s time to clean out our spiritual closets and live like it.
Paul writes with strong authority, urging believers to stop living like those who don’t know God—those who are “hopelessly confused,” whose minds are filled with darkness, and who have hardened hearts. This isn’t just about avoiding “bad behavior.” It’s about recognizing the spiritual patterns and attitudes that pull us away from the life God intended. If Christ has made us new, why do we keep living like the old version of ourselves?
Living in the light begins not with behavior change, but with learning Jesus—not just learning about Him. Paul emphasizes that the Christian life isn’t about checking religious boxes or self-help fixes. It’s about knowing Jesus deeply, allowing our relationship with Him to transform how we think, what we value, and how we live. The more we learn Christ, the more our lives reflect His light.
Paul then gets practical. He tells us to throw off our old sinful nature and put on the new self. This is the spiritual equivalent of a closet purge. The old self—marked by bitterness, fear, selfishness, and sin—doesn’t belong to you anymore. Toss it. Don’t try to manage it, store it, or fold it neatly on the shelf. Get rid of it. God is calling you to something so much better.
But it’s not just about tossing the old—it’s also about letting the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. This part isn’t passive; it’s about surrender. It’s asking God daily, “What lies am I believing? What attitudes need to change?” The Spirit of God brings clarity and conviction, helping us recognize what doesn’t belong and giving us the power to put on what does.
Paul reminds us that the new self is already ours. We’re not trying to earn a new identity—we’ve been given one in Christ. That identity is “truly righteous and holy.” The call now is to live like it’s true. What does the new you look like in your workplace? At home? When no one’s watching? At school or on your team? That’s where “light living” shines brightest.
Many of us have followed Jesus for years, yet still wear spiritual clothes that don’t fit anymore. Why? Because they’re familiar. Comfortable. But they’re not who we are anymore. Jesus offers something far better: a new way of living that’s good for us, for our families, for our relationships, and for our communities. Christianity isn’t just true—it’s better.
So, every morning, ask yourself: What old habit or attitude do I need to take off today? What Christlike mindset or action do I need to put on? And here’s the best part—you’re not doing this alone. The Holy Spirit is your strength, your guide, and your truth. You’ve been made new. Now live like it’s true. It’s time to clean out the closet—what goes in the trash bag, and what goes on the hanger?