The Bible is the best textbook, the best life instruction book ever written. Written within its 66 books and 1,189 chapters is the cure for all hurt, the remedy for all failings, and the recipe for living a life filled with joy and peace. It is up to each of us to decide whether we want to fully envelop ourselves in this great instruction book or if we want to make a go of it on our own.

Ephesians 5:1-20 teaches us how to live in the light of Jesus Christ. Stepping out of the darkness and into the light can be scary. When we see our own sin, stepping into the light can be very convicting, but this is exactly what Paul instructs the Christians of Ephesus to do. This brief text gives us six keys to living in the light.

1 – Follow the example that Christ God gave for us in everything we do. (vs. 1)

2 – Live a life full of love for others. We must love others just as Christ loved us. Christ loved us so much that He laid Himself down as a perfect sacrifice. John 15:13 states – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (vs. 2)

3 – Let there be not a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed in us. We should not speak obscenities; we should have no foolish talk or coarse joking. But rather we should be filled with thanksgiving. Paul continues that we can be sure of this: “no immoral, impure or greedy person – such a person is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (vs. 3-5)

4 – Don’t be deceived by the empty words of those who sin around you, who try to justify their sin in an attempt to make it seem right. Don’t be partners with them. My concordance says – Do not partake with them in their sins, that you may not share in their punishment. (vs. 6-7)

5 – You were once in darkness but now you are in light. Live in that light and show the fruit of that light which is goodness, righteousness and truth. Have nothing to do with those who seek to do wrong but rather expose them. (vs. 8-9)

6 – Be careful how you live,” not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do all of this with thanksgiving to the Lord (vs. 10-20)

The instructions for living in the light are clear. God wants to make things clear for us. He does not want confusion in our lives. So if you wish to walk in the light, to live in the light, follow this simple recipe – Follow Christ’s example, live a life full of love for others, stay away from immorality, and even those crude jokes you may like to tell, don’t be greedy, don’t be pulled into doing wrong things by people who are still living in the darkness, live a life full of goodness, righteousness and truth, and be wise, making the most of every opportunity. And do all these things with thanksgiving on your lips.

If you live each day with these six points as your model, your life will be free from confusion and drama, your heart will be full of joy, and you will experience immeasurable peace granted by none other than the King of the Universe!