$$  Please Review the rubric for grading criteria. $$

3.1 Discussion: Devotional Reflection-Children of Light-Transparency

Getting Started

If you are a follower of Christ or even just beginning to look at the Bible, you will see throughout Scripture, we are called to be honest. This transparency allows us to come alongside each other in encouragement and accountability. Without transparency, we would not know how to truly encourage one another, to point each other in the correct direction, or to be challenged in our own ways.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

• Examine the importance of openness in faith and the workplace.

Resources

• Bible (New International Version) 

Background Information

In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to contemplate the stark difference between darkness and light.  The command sharing the truth, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” is expressed by Paul (Ephesians 5:8).  He is telling us because we are children of light, we are to act and live in ways that are good, right and true.  We should separate ourselves from and expose any deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:13).

Remember back to the very beginning.  Then God said, “Let there be light,’ and there was light, And God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:1-4, NIV). God does not just create the light or give light to something. He is light. (1 John 1:5).  As a Christian, we not only get to enjoy God’s light, we get to become His light, children of light, to a very dark world.  We should separate ourselves from the darkness and live as His children of light.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8-10, NIV).

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. Take a moment to reread Ephesians 5:8-10.
3. Reflect and respond to the following prompts.
   1. How are you separating yourself from sinful habits that keep us in darkness?
   2. Is there an area in your life you are trying to keep hidden?
   3. Our world is a dark place we must let the light of Jesus show to those around us.
   4. Are you shining the light of God towards others?
   5. How could you be better illuminating the love of Jesus in your workplace?