SHINING LIGHTS

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, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.  (Philippians 2:15-16 NKJV)

                                  

The spirit of man says the wise man, is the candle of the Lord (Proverb 20:27). By nature we are like so many unlit lamps and candles. As the wick is adapted for the flame, but stands dark and cold until it is ignited, so we are unable to shed forth any light until our nature is kindled from the eternal nature of Him who "is Light, and in whom is no darkness at all." Has the candle of your life been lit by contact with Christ, the Sun of Righteousness?

Our Lord says: "Let your light shine before men." He shows how absurd it is to light a lamp, and then obscure its rays by placing it under a bushel. The purpose of ignition is frustrated if the light is covered. How many of us place bushels on the light of our testimony for God, the bushel of uncharitable speech! Of ill-temper! Of a discontented and argumentative spirit! These as well as more conspicuous failings will prevent us from shining forth as light in a dark world. It is not for us to ignite the flame or supply the oil. All we have to do is to keep our lamps clean and bright, to guard against anything that may obstruct the shining out of the love and life of God through the soul. If we are careful to see that anything which might hinder the effect of our testimony and mar our influence is put away, Christ will see to it that our light shall affect the full measure of His purpose.

In contrast to the bushel is the stand or candlestick. The Master of the House may place you in a very small dark corner, and on a very humble stand, but some day, as He passes by, you shall light His footsteps as He goes forth to seek and save that which is lost. What is your stand? Is it your place in society, your position in the home, your situation in some business, factory, or school? Wherever it is, it doesn't matter, so long as your light is shining forth, steady and clear, warning and directing men and women to and in the path of life.

PRAYER

Dear Christ may the fire of Your divine love burn up our bushels; help us to shine forth as lights in this dark world. It is in your name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #248:
All the days of your life are written in My special book. 

Psalm 139:16 (WEB)
Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, 
the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them.