1 John 1:5-7
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)
Given how quickly our days pass, this may sound like “ancient history,” but I’m writing this devotion shortly after January 6th, Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas. Epiphany is the day we celebrate how a star led the Magi to visit the baby Jesus after he was born. Epiphaneia is Greek for appearance or manifestation. Definitions of epiphany include an illuminating discovery or realization.
How many times have I/we had an epiphany, that we’re walking in the darkness, then realize we need to return to walking in the light? Not only in our faith, but in our daily lives. My first few weeks at college were a big adjustment, but also a lot of fun. Independence, making new friends, intramural football and making the JV basketball team as a walk-on. But my grades reflected the lack of focus I had on my course work. After a meeting with my older sister, I realized time management was going to be a key to changing the course of my grades.
Regarding my faith life the first 2 years in college, Sundays didn’t include attending church, even though I was attending a Lutheran college and enrolled in the required religion courses. My epiphany occurred when a couple of friends made it a priority to attend church, and convinced me to attend with them. Thankfully, since that time, I’ve regularly attended church and served in church and in the communities I’ve lived.
Yet, more often than I can count, there are times I walk away from the light in this challenging world we live in. What are the “tools” I use to walk in the light and try my best to avoid walking back into the darkness? Scheduling time for daily devotions, prayer and church attendance is important, but the epiphany for me with that question is through “fellowship with one another.” To “walk in the light”, I believe it’s important for me to serve with others in church and in my community, as well as joining a church small group. Another factor that played a part in my faith growth and journey while living in Lincoln was attending the Saturday Men’s Breakfast, where discussions are open about the selected studies and our faith.
If you’ve read other devotions I’ve written, you may recall I’ve had a life long love of sports. I’ll compare the growth of my faith to sports. As an example, when I’m playing with, or competing against a good golfer, my “game” is usually improved. When I’m playing with someone who’s game isn’t that strong or I’m playing alone, it’s harder for me to concentrate on my game and play well. Likewise, when I’m in fellowship with others who “walk in the light” and whose faith is strong, my faith has grown and become stronger.
Questions for Reflection:
- What are epiphanies that have impacted your life and faith life?
- If you make New Year’s Resolutions, were any of your resolutions related to your faith? What are you doing to assure you keep that resolution?
Prayer:
Father in heaven, I Thank You for sending your Son Jesus, the light of the world, to earth. Although I am undeserving of Your grace, it is through Jesus’ sacrifice and blood, that I can be purified from all of my sins. I pray that I can “walk in the light,” but when “walking toward the darkness” I will have an epiphany to pray for your guidance. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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