I John 1:7 says, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light; we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Walking in the light, as used here, has to do with abiding in the doctrine of Christ (2 John: 9_.), and "doing the will of the Father in Heaven (Mt. 7:21). It is the definitive action of righteousness, as Zacharias and Elisabeth illustrate, of whom Luke 1:G, tells us, "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless."

Therefore, it is very important for us to "walk in the light" with God, or be on His side, so to speak. It's the only way we can please Him, and have fellowship with Him and those who are faithful - and the only way we can ultimately go to Heaven.

I think sometimes, though, we miss the "spirit" of what is involved in this. We have little difficulty understanding the need to study and obey the "letter of the law" - the commandments, examples and inferences of God's Word. However, there's more to it than just obeying. The heart must be involved in what we do, or else it's all in vain. As Paul writes in Romans 2:29, " But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

The point is, that some may strenuously insist on keeping God's Word, and "standing for the truth", but in actuality, walking in the light is much more. It's not just obeying, but obeying because one loves God, and wants to please Him. It's holding to the Truth without hatefulness. It's teaching the Truth out of a desire to save souls and strengthen brethren. It's putting aside personal vendettas, dislikes, opinions, to live in peace, rather than "make someone pay." It's understanding God's will so as to keep it in the heart affecting all our actions and attitudes.

Some Christians will lose their souls for leaving their hearts out of obedience to God, and doing injustice to His Word. "Walking in the light" is an honor and, privilege God makes possible through His Word. Let's make sure we are walking with Him, united in the spirit and Word of His Truth. Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)

Eric