Are You A Lighthouse?

By Ed Wittlif

"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 5:16).
    Before radar and global positioning satellites, lighthouses were positioned to guide sailors past dangers to safe haven. Lighthouses go back to ancient times. Being a lighthouse keeper was a very responsible position and it required a trustworthy man to serve as one.
    In the darkness, light serves as a guide and also reveals reality. Even during the day, we live in a world of darkness. The vast majority stumble about in darkness, not seeing the reality of God and sin.
    Jesus tells us that those who follow Him are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). We serve to point out the dangers of unbelief in God and disobedience to God. We also serve as guides to leading people to God.
    Jesus says that if our light is hidden, it serves no purpose. If the lighthouse keepers had covered their lights, lives would have perished. We must be active in this dark world. People need to see that God is real and is shown to be what He is through our behavior and words. People need to learn that God is loving and that He cares. But they also must learn that God has standards that will not be put aside.

 - Ed Wittlif is from Denver, CO; via the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. Joe Slater serves as minister and he may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com