26.06.2025 | Light On – Or Still Off? | HEART ANCHOR
Living Authentically in the Light – What It Means to Walk with Jesus
1 John 1:6-7

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Bible Text

“If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
1 John 1:6-7

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Introduction

Do you know that feeling when you’re sitting in a dark room and suddenly the light turns on? Everything suddenly looks different. What was hidden is now clearly visible. It’s often the same in our lives. We can live in “darkness” – or we can decide to step into the light.

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Devotional

Many people say they believe in God. Maybe you say that too. But what does it really mean to live with Jesus – not just talk about Him?
John makes a clear distinction in these verses: Are we just talking about it, or are we truly living it?

Living in the light means being honest. It means hiding nothing – neither from God nor from each other. That’s not always comfortable because light also reveals our flaws. But the amazing thing is: it’s in this very light that cleansing happens. When we live with God, when we come to Him sincerely, we experience real freedom.

Ellen White writes:

“God hates hypocrisy. Sincere and repentant hearts He will never turn away.
Whoever walks in the light will recognize their own weaknesses – and the deeper their gratitude will be for the grace of Christ.”
– Ellen G. White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 30

Living in the light doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being real. Not pretending everything is fine when it’s not. It means facing the truth – and being accepted in it.

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Story – The Story of Lukas and His Phone

Lukas was 17 and had a secret. He was deep into a world of websites and apps he didn’t want anyone to see. He knew it wasn’t right. But he couldn’t stop. At youth group, he was always cheerful, knew all the right answers, and helped with setup.

One day, the youth leader gave a devotional on “walking in the light.” Lukas could hardly listen; his heart was pounding. After the devotional, he stayed behind. Tears ran down his face. Finally, he went to the youth leader and said, “I can’t do this anymore. I act like I’m strong, but I’m not. I live in the darkness.”

The conversation that followed wasn’t condemning. It was full of grace. The youth leader prayed with him. And Lukas began to take small steps – back into the light. It was a hard path. But he wasn’t alone anymore. He had fellowship. And he knew: God cleanses. God forgives.

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Reflections – What Does It Mean for You?

Maybe you also have areas you prefer to keep in the dark – thoughts, sins, hurts.
But the good news is: You don’t have to stay there. Jesus invites you to come into the light.
Not to shame you – but to heal you.

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Today’s Questions to Reflect On

• Where in my life is there “darkness” I’m hiding from others – or from God?

• What would it mean for me to take a step into the light today?

• Is there someone I need to be honest with about what’s really going on inside me?

• Do I trust that Jesus will cleanse me – even when I’ve failed?

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, sometimes it’s easier to stay in the dark. I’m afraid of what will happen if my true self comes into the light. But I want to trust You. I believe You love me – not because I’m perfect, but because You are good. Please help me to be honest. Help me to live in the light. Cleanse me through Your blood. Thank You for Your grace and for never leaving me alone.
Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/26-06-25-light-on-or-still-off-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/