Paul often comes back to this idea of what our new life in Christ is supposed to look like. He’s not vague about it. He reminds us that we’re not the same people anymore—we’re new creations. The old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). So when you get to Ephesians 5:3–7, and you see that list of things that don’t belong in a believer’s life, it’s not random. It’s intentional. He’s drawing a clear line.
But here’s the key—Paul isn’t just telling us what to leave behind. He’s telling us why.
Verse 8 starts with that word “for,” and that matters. It means what he’s about to say explains everything that came before it. Why do we leave those old ways behind? Because we’re not who we used to be. Paul doesn’t say we used to live in darkness. He says we were darkness. That’s strong language. It’s not just about behavior—it’s about identity.
And now? Now we are light.
That changes everything. Because if you are light, then the things that belong to darkness just don’t fit anymore. They’re out of place. They don’t line up with who you are now.
Then Paul adds a quick side note—almost like he pauses mid-thought to make sure we really get it. He says, “the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9). In other words, if you’re walking as a child of light, there’s going to be evidence. There’s going to be fruit.
And notice—he doesn’t complicate it. He sums it up in three words: good, right, and true.
That word “good” shows up a lot in Ephesians. We were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10). We’re called to speak what is good (Ephesians 4:29). To serve with good will (Ephesians 6:7). There’s a pattern here—our lives are meant to produce what is good.
Then there’s “righteousness”—doing what is right. Living in a way that lines up with God’s standard. Paul talks about putting on true righteousness (Ephesians 4:24), doing what is right in our relationships (Ephesians 6:1), even wearing righteousness like armor (Ephesians 6:14).
And then “truth.” Not just believing truth, but living it. Being shaped by it. Again, Ephesians 4:24—created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
So here’s what this really means. Walking in the light isn’t complicated—but it is costly. It means your life starts to look different. Your choices, your words, your priorities—they begin to reflect something deeper.
Because you’re not just avoiding darkness anymore.
You’re living as light.
By: Jude Hollis