For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

Ephesians 5:5-8

The transformation of the Gospel in our lives is a life change from the inside out. Again, according to Paul, we have a choice and a responsibility since our lives are a reflection of the “light of the Lord” and this includes not joining in immorality or idolatry.

I think most of us have a clear understanding of sexual immorality based on Scripture, but idolatry probably sounds a bit foreign in 2024, right? But even a good thing can in effect become an idol – a child, a career, a hobby, a sport – anything that takes the place of God is an idol and idolatry separates us from God.

Empty words give a false sense of assurance, so Paul warned that anyone who pursued darkness instead of light would have “no inheritance in the kingdom of God.”

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5: 14-16).

Notice how there is a two-fold purpose to our shining lights? Since our light is a reflection of God’s work in us, our light is visible to those around us and redirects attention to God. So, we stand out from the crowd and serve as witnesses to God’s work in our lives.