As I stood in church recently during the worship time, I noticed someone repeatedly turning left and right with her hands raised as she sang. The combination of her posture and rotating movement reminded me of a lighthouse.
The US National Ocean Service says that lighthouses serve “to warn mariners of dangerous shallows and perilous rocky coasts, and they help guide vessels safely into and out of harbors. The messages of these long-trusted aids to navigation are simple: either STAY AWAY, DANGER, BEWARE! or COME THIS WAY!”
A second after I saw this woman in worship at church, the thought came to me that believers can serve as lighthouses. We know that Jesus, the light of the world, taught that we are to be lights as well.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
The apostle Paul exhorts us, Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15).
In the book of Ephesians, Paul urges us to walk as children of light… and to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them…all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light (Ephesians 5:8-13).
By our example and sometimes through our words, we can help alert people around us to dangers of which they may be unaware. The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty (Proverbs 27:12). Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might (Isaiah 11:2). This wisdom from above is far superior to the world’s wisdom (see James 3). The light and truth we have from God and His Word can guide others to safe havens and keep those who listen from crashing on the rocks.
Besides warning others away from the path of destruction, Christians can serve as lighthouses, signaling, “Come this way!” As we manifest the love of Jesus, we attract people to Him. Read about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Who would not be attracted to someone with such qualities? Believer, that describes your new nature in Christ! You have all of those at your disposal, in addition to God’s wisdom.
Scripture tells us, Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3). As you renew your mind through the Word and time with God, your perspective will change and your whole body will be filled with light (Matthew 6:22). You won’t be able to help it; you will shine!
Great message. Think that may have been my daughter you saw worshipping…