Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11
Upon salvation God calls us to Holiness. This means that we put away our selfish attitudes and agendas and remold our patterns of thinking and behavior. In this passage of scripture, Paul does not waste time with generalities but points out; our behavior must mirror the likeness of our Savior.
The cultural background of Ephesus, the city to which this letter, Ephesians, is written, was a hub of the occult, black magic, spiritism….. These people understood the concept of darkness. Paul also wrote a letter to the people of Galatia that contains a familiar passage listing nine attributes of a Christian, The Fruit of the Spirit. (5:22-23) They are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and should permeate all relationships and actions of those who have experienced salvation.
Pursuing things of darkness is fruitless and leads to death. Your life is precious. Protect it against such things.
God and sin cannot, will not coexist. You have to choose one or the other.
Choose joy, peace, love……
Gretchen