Lights in the Darkness

I have a little book-reading light that I just love.  It hangs lightly around my neck, I can aim it where I want, and it has three settings.  Over time, it becomes dim and must be charged.  We are just like that.  Christians need daily re-charging or our light becomes dim.  As Christians, we are called to shine our light.  What is this light the Bible speaks of and where does it come from?  Jesus, of course. "Then Jesus spake unto them saying, 'I am the light of the world:  He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'"

Where are we to shine our light?  On the darkness!

In this dark world, people without Christ cannot find their way.  They are truly lost in more ways than one, even though they don't believe it. No one likes to think that they are wrong and most people will vigorously and proudly defend their wrongness regardless of the consequences of their error.

This sin-filled world is full of darkness, no doubt about it.  Usually, I aim my attention on pleasantness and beauty, but it is also important to focus our attention on the darkness. 

Learning what the Lord wants from us is only the first step, but we live it out when we apply our knowledge.  So how can we shine our light in the darkness?

1)  Plug in. 
First, are we plugged in to the power source?  Do we read the Bible and pray to the Lord on a daily basis?  Do we ask the Lord to shine His glorious light to us?  Are we engaged and attentive or do we let our minds stray?

2)  Flip the switch.
Secondly, do we use quality lighting?  Do we use candles or smoky oil lamps to light our home?  Only for "atmosphere" perhaps, but not to see our way.  We use electricity and bright light bulbs.  We need to consider our priorities from time to time.  Are our priorities "quality" in that spiritual priorities are first or are our priorities focused on worldly pleasures and materialism? 

3) Shine!

Finally, is your lighting beautiful?  I have always been enamored of chandeliers and I have a couple in my home.  They provide both light and delight.  Living a life that pleases the Lord is arresting! Others cannot help but notice and be drawn to it like a moth.   Is pleasing Him uppermost in our minds? 

But no one likes to have a bright light shining directly in his face.  We need to gently illuminate the truth to others by our example and by loving words.  It is our godly example that will guide the lost to find the better way. Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6.