Step into the Light

Well, Buttercup, pull up a chair and sit for a lil’ spell with me at this here table in the gazebo out in the front yard. Now you gotta be a’-watchin’ out, though, for that there nosy lil’ ol’ goat a‑tryin’ to nibble at your shoelaces ‘cause we’re ‘bout to be ‘a-steppin’ right into some truth that’s brighter than a June mornin’.

First John 1:6-7 is done askin’ us plain as day if we are ‘a-walkin’ in the light or just ‘a-stumblin’ ‘round like a silly lil’ possum who done forgot where the road was. That there verse done says that “if’n we claim fellowship with God but keep ‘a-wanderin’ in the dark, we are fibbin’ to ourselves. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, well now, that there is where real fellowship” and real cleanin’ from sin happens.

Now, Buttercup, this here ain’t jes’ askin’ if you’re perfect. If perfection was the requirement, even the angels’d be a‑sweatin’. God is askin’ about direction. Which way are your boots done ‘a-pointin’? Walkin’ in the light means you are ‘a-movin’ toward God, even if you trip over your own feet like a clumsy lil’ ol’ calf. When you sin, you don’t curl up in the mud puddle. You gotta get on up, wipe off the dirt, and keep ‘a‑walkin’.

Walkin’ in darkness is a whole different critter. That there is when you get comfortable ‘a-hidin’ things like a raccoon ‘a-stuffin’ shiny objects under the shed. You done be avoidin’ ‘a-bein’ responsible. You done makin’ them there excuses. Yes, sir, you done start driftin’ right on away from God like a runaway pig ‘a-slippin’ under the fence.

But here is the real beautiful part, Buttercup. When we be ‘a-walkin’ in the light, two mighty, fine things start to happenin’. First, we done have fellowship with one another. Real fellowship, not that there plastic church smile that done melts faster than butter on a biscuit. Second, the blood o’ Jesus done cleans us from all our sin. Not some of our sin. Not the easy sin. All sin. Every last speck of them there sins is gone and cleaned.

So , be ‘a-askin’ yourself, which direction am I done ‘a-walkin’? Am I ‘a-goin’ toward the light or away from it? Do I have even a lil’ bitty ol’ mustard seed desire to be honorin’ God? If that there answer’s yes, even with stumbles, even with scraped knees, then you are ‘a-walkin’ in the light. And if you realize you’ve been ‘a-wanderin’ in the dark, today is the most perfect day to be ‘a-turnin’ it all around and steppin’ right back into His glowin’ light.

That there light is right where life is done really happenin’. You gotta be ‘a-walkin’ right on into it.

Lord, I come to You a‑standin’ here like a jittery chipmunk that done got caught ‘a-sneakin’ into your kitchen pantry and now I’m ‘a-needin’ Your steady hand to be a‑helpin’ me git to where I need to be ‘a-walkin’ in Your light. Be a‑shinin’ on the places I hide. Be a‑purifyin’ my heart and a‑pullin’ me closer to You every step I take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Well, goodness gracious, Buttercup, that there is enough truth to fill your spiritual belly without ‘a-needin’ a side of gravy. So, let’s land this here thing real simple. Walkin’ in the light just means you keep on movin’ toward Jesus even if you wobble like a baby goat on a frozen pond. The light is where He grows you, steadies you, and reminds you that you were made for Him, not for hidin’ like a raccoon with stolen dog food.

With joy,

Gwen