In the home or at business many Christians are brought into association with those who do not honor Christ,--whose ways are a source of pain. At every turn we are reminded that, though not "of the world," we are yet "in the world," and surrounded by the darkness of the world. The Lord tells us what should be our relation to all this. "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11)
How is this reproof to be given? Is it by telling the wrongdoer of this or that act, and arraying before him its wickedness? Sometimes, when we knew no better, we have tried this way, and have found a warmth of spirit generated which left matters worse than before. In the verse following the one quoted, the Lord shows that this is not the way: "For the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of." (Ephesians 5:12)
Then sins may be reproved without even speaking of them. "But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light." (Ephesians 5:13)
We reprove the works of darkness by holding forth the light. "For everyone that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:20)
In the light sin is its own condemnation, and as Christ "was the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world," (John 1:9) every man in sin knows the condemnation. Therefore the Christian is to be simply a light, a reflection of the glory of the life of Christ, and the light will reprove sin, and work with persuasive force to lead the sinner to yield.
It is not by pressing upon associates some form of words, or setting forth even various truths as a matter of doctrine, that we let the light shine. Many who are continually besieging their friends in this way cannot understand why their efforts are so unfruitful. The difficulty is this: the light is life. "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:4)
Only as we have the life can we have the light. But the life of Christ lived in the home or the place of business is the powerful and constant reprover of sin, even though no words are spoken. And the words spoken will not be to press condemnation more heavily upon the one in darkness, but they will flow out from the life within, full of light and helpfulness.
This is the way the Lord treated us. Dead in trespasses and sins he called to us, "Awake, you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon you." (Ephesians 5:14)
Then in the brightness of His glory self was made manifest. And we who "were once darkness," became "light in the Lord," and rejoiced in the life which He gave. Let us then "walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), Proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8-10)--Present Truth, December 28, 1893.