Ephesians 5:11-13
11Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”
The previous passage spoke of “learning what is pleasing to The Lord.” In a general sense, it was walking in the light. I picture us walking through this dark world with a flashlight. It’s God’s word. As we know His word, it helps us navigate. We arrive at a situation and we illuminate it. It helps us learn more.
Today’s passage tells us not to “participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them”. When we come to Christ, we hand our lives over to Christ. It’s like a company being audited. The auditor comes in and looks into every aspect of the company. She gets into the books and learns how money was spent in development, production, sales and delivery. So, Jesus enters our lives. We did things that we didn’t think were a problem. All of the sudden, we start to feel guilty. This is similar to today’s passage.
As we walk through the darkness of the world, the light of the word exposes our path. We learn if we are to participate by His instructions. If He disapproves of something that is part of our lives, then we wrestle with it and hopefully eradicate it.
We don’t do life alone. We have family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. As we go through life we speak of our day, our struggles, etc. We share what we learn. This is part of what the verse says, “but instead even expose them”. We aren’t to campout there with a sign and a megaphone and forever speak of it’s evil. That may be the job of some. However, most of us encounter these things along the way.
Verse 12 gives a balance, “for it is disgracefull even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” One verse speaks about illuminating and exposing the deeds of darkness and next verse says to speak of these things is disgraceful. What comes to mind is pornography. We can speak generally of how unhealthy it is and how it will taint a proper relationship in marriage. However, to describe the acts would be disgraceful.
We aren’t to be the moral police. These aren’t to be given to everyone. Matthew 7:6 says, “do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” We are to use wisdom to whom we speak. Also, our attitude is to be one of humility. Lord, give us wisdom as to when we are to speak and when to keep quiet. Help us always to be empathetic. Some are prisoners of these vices. They need help. Use us as You see fit.