My husband and I used to joke that one day our cell phones would be able to wash and dry our clothes with the touch of a button. I’m not sure if that feature is available yet, but if I can control my television with my phone, I imagine a laundry app isn’t too far away.
With all the fancy features phones have today, you want to know which feature I have to have?
The flashlight.
The flashlight has been around since 1898, and it’s not going anywhere. Why? Because when we’re searching in dark places, need a better visual, or when the power fails, we all go to our drawers and pull out the trusty flashlight.
We may not pull it out often; it might have a little dust on it, but everybody has one because there will be moments when nothing else can do the job of a flashlight like a flashlight.
Kind of like our Bible.
The first Bible was printed in the 1400s. It’s been around forever and it’s going to stay around until the end of time. Nothing can do the job of God’s Word like God’s Word. It may collect dust on your coffee table, but you know where it is when you need it. Or, better yet, it shines in your heart!
In the same way a flashlight illuminates dark places, the Word of God brightens every path in our lives.
When we can’t see clearly, the Word of God guides us. When life or people fail us, the Word of God restores us. When we’re asleep, it awakens us. And, when we are lost in this dark world, the Word of God is a light house that brings us safely to shore.
Does Your Light Lead Others Home?
Years ago, I found myself lost in Atlanta, GA. One minute I was downtown and the next minute, I wasn’t. Or, as my husband put it, “All the buildings have disappeared.”
Being in an unfamiliar place, at night, was both challenging and uncomfortable. Yet, without a map or GPS to guide me, I did what any person would do who’s desperate to find their way: I simply started to drive towards the lights! Those lights guided me home.
That’s why our lights are so important. The Bible instructs us:
“You are the light of the world. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
We spend so much time trying to look attractive, we forget to be attractive [Tweet that!]. People followed Jesus from place to place in awe of who He was, and the Light that emanated from His heart. They were fascinated by His stories, His miracles, His presence.
Jesus said that we should do even greater things than He. Consider this:
While the world becomes more isolated, we are to meet frequently and share our light with each other. (Hebrews 10:25)
When the world rehearses tragedy, we are to shine a light on everything God has already done. (Psalm 78)
When the world condemns, we are to enlighten with encouragement. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
When the world complains during hard times, our faces light up as we celebrate maturity and lessons learned. (James 1:2-4)
When the world agrees with Satan, we are to take any thought that disagrees with the Word of God and toss it! (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Eye-catching, delightful, lovely and desirable… this is how our spirits are to look to this dark world. They should see us from far off and take off running towards the light. When they’ve found themselves lost in the world, can they look at us and see a beautiful light that leads directly to Jesus Christ?
SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?
Become child-like. Become the light.
Can anyone light up a room quite like a child? Their spirits are so pure. They never need an excuse to play with a flashlight or flicker a light switch on and off.
They love the light.
We must learn to love the light so much so that we become the light. Someone in our workplace, community and family is fighting through dark times and they feel alone.
Meditate on the Word so that it shines through you and they can see their way home.
Declare this: “I am a light shining for the world to see. Nothing can hide me.”
