1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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 (1Thess. 5:8).
One night in my early teens, I was awakened to moaning and crying out for help from my brother (three years younger and in the next bedroom). With little light, he had become confused on how to reach the bathroom.
In my startled state and realizing his plight, I tried to assist him, but thought I was still at our relatives' home, whom we had just visited. Nothing made sense for how to get to the bathroom. After fumbling around in his room for what seemed like a long time, my hand found a light switch on the wall. The streaming light brought a most welcome discovery. We were at home! My faulty orientation was rectified as I quickly pushed my brother toward the bathroom.
When light surrounds you, everything is clear. In contrast, darkness hides the simplest truths. Paul calls us to live in the light, as he knew the darkness brings confusion. Standing in the light of Christ changes our orientation completely. We recognize that our defenses–breastplate and helmet–are trust in the Father God, love, and the hope of our complete salvation.
Let the light encircle you.