“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)
In a world often overshadowed by confusion and moral ambiguity, Paul’s words to the Thessalonians resonate deeply in our time: “You are children of the light”. Daring to be right is means embracing our identity as bearers of light in a dark world. But what does it mean to be “right”? It means aligning our thoughts, actions and intentions with God’s truth and love.
1. Awareness of Our Identity
Understanding that we are children of the light should inspire us to live differently. Our choices and behaviours ought to reflect our identity in Christ. As we navigate our daily lives, we can choose to be people of integrity, standing firm in our beliefs and values, even when it’s challenging.
2. Awake and Sober
Paul calls us to be awake and sober, contrasting our state of alertness with the lethargy of the world. Daring to be right often means rejecting complacency and engaging actively with our faith. It’s about discerning truth in a culture that may push us toward compromise. Are we staying vigilant in our spiritual lives?
3. Putting on Spiritual Armor
The imagery of the breastplate and helmet reminds us that being right is not just about knowing the truth but actively protecting ourselves with faith, love and hope. Faith shields us against doubt, love compels us to act with compassion, and hope anchors us during turbulent times. Are we equipping ourselves daily with these virtues?
4. Choosing Light in Darkness
The challenge lies in our daily choices. When faced with decisions, do we choose the easy or the right path? Daring to be right will require sacrifice and courage. It may mean standing up for what is just and true, even when it’s unpopular.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me into the light. Help me embrace my identity as Your child and live boldly in truth. Grant me the courage to be awake and sober and to make choices that reflect Your love and grace. May I put on the armor of faith, love and hope each day, so that I can shine Your light in the darkness around me. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Action Step:
This week, take some time to reflect on a situation in your life where you feel challenged to choose the right path. Pray for guidance and the strength to act in a way that aligns with your identity as a child of the light. Look for opportunities to demonstrate your faith through actions, especially under difficult circumstances.
DAILY MEDITATIONS
Monday: Proverbs 22:1a
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
Tuesday: Genesis 39:9b
How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?
Wednesday: Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
Thursday: Job 2:3
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.
Friday: Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.
Saturday: Titus 2:7
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.
Sunday: 2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
All Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version (NIV).
By Pastor Samuel Sam
