Walking in the Light: How to Live a Life That Pleases God


Have you ever stopped to consider how profoundly your life changes when you step into the light of Christ?

In his letters, the Apostle Paul reminds us of a powerful truth: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

As believers, we aren't just brought into the light—we become light in the Lord. This transition calls us to leave behind the unproductive deeds of darkness and seek out what truly pleases God.

1. Bearing the Fruit of the Light

Living as a child of the light isn't a vague ideal—it shows up in tangible ways. Paul tells us that the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth.

To understand what this looks like, we can look at Paul’s letter to the Galatians, where he outlines the Fruit of the Spirit:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." — Galatians 5:22–23

When the Holy Spirit works within us, these virtues naturally begin to overflow into our daily interactions and personal choices.

2. What Actually Pleases the Lord?

If our goal is to "find out what pleases the Lord," Scripture gives us a clear roadmap. God isn't looking for religious ritual; He desires a transformed heart.

Here is what the Bible says pleases Him:

  • Faith: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

  • Righteousness & Justice: "For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face." (Psalm 11:7)

  • Humility & Obedience: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:17)

  • Love & Mercy: "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

  • Doing Good & Sharing: "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)

  • Prayer & Thanksgiving: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

  • Proclaiming the Gospel: "Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

3. Leaving Darkness Behind

Walking in the light requires a deliberate turn away from darkness. In Galatians 5:19–21, Paul plainly lists the acts of the sinful nature—including hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, and envy—warning us that living this way isolates us from the kingdom of God.

Instead, Paul issues a wake-up call:

"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

The King James Version summarizes this call with a powerful phrase: walk circumspectly—meaning to live carefully, wisely, and with complete awareness of your path.K                         LIGHT

4. How to Walk Wisely in Evil Days

Making the most of every opportunity means choosing wisdom over foolishness. Instead of letting the world dictate our habits, Paul encourages us to:

  1. Be filled with the Spirit: Seek God's presence continuously rather than turning to worldly escapes.

  2. Encourage one another: Speak using psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

  3. Keep music in your heart: Sing and make melody to the Lord throughout your day.

  4. Practice ongoing gratitude: Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in Jesus' name.

  5. Cultivate community: Patiently help the weak, avoid repaying wrong for wrong, and remain joyful.

The Conundrum of the Christian Life

Here lies the beautiful paradox of the Gospel: we do not work to gain God's favor; we work because we already have it.

Salvation is a free gift. By confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we are saved. Yet, that initial faith inevitably changes us.

Whether your past felt deeply dark or relatively quiet, without Christ, we were all in the exact same position: spiritually dead. God, being rich in mercy and overflowing with love, gave us new life while we were still sinners.

As theologian John Lennox often points out, Christian works are not performed to gain something from God, but to live out of grateful service for everything He has already freely given us.

Walking It Out Today

What does living as a child of light look like in your specific routine today?

That is not for any teacher to dictate—it is a question to take directly to the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to search your heart, lead your steps, and show you where His light can shine through you today.

Next Week's Preview: We will dive deeper into Paul’s vital instruction from Ephesians: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Originally delivered 2024.04.28

Location: Caldwell, KS 67022, USA

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