How to Learn What Pleases the Lord: A Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light
Living with Christ requires understanding what pleases Him. Here's what Ephesians 5:7-10 teaches us about this crucial aspect of Christian life.
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From Darkness to Light Christians are called to transition from darkness to light. Before knowing Christ, we lived in spiritual darkness, guided by worldly desires. Now, as children of light, we must embrace what is good, right, and true.
The Fruit of Light The scripture tells us that "the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true" (Ephesians 5:9). To walk in the light requires:
- Studying and following Christ's teachings
- Reading and understanding the Bible
- Discerning truth from false teachings
- Actively pursuing spiritual growth
Avoiding Bad Company Paul specifically warns against associating with those still in darkness because:
- "Bad company ruins good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33)
- Former influences can pull us back to old ways
- We must break cycles that lead to darkness
- Protecting our spiritual growth requires careful choice of companions
Learning to Please the Lord To truly please the Lord requires:
- Genuine repentance (changing our way of thinking)
- Accepting God's terms, not our own
- Pursuing truth through prayer and Bible study
- Embracing positive change that leads to peace and joy
- Rejecting false teachings and half-truths
The Christian journey involves continuous transformation, moving from darkness to light through active pursuit of what pleases God. This requires diligent study of His Word, careful choice of associations, and commitment to living in the light of truth.
Remember: Christianity isn't about restricting joy but finding true fulfillment through alignment with God's will and purpose. The rewards of this transformation include peace, joy, love, and ultimately, eternal life with Christ.