Perspectives – Page 8 – Deep Thoughts & Little Happenings

I’m still thinking about our lighthouse visit. Without the light, it’s just a house with a tower, and incapable of providing safe guidance into ports or through dangerous waters or weather.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14a (NASB)

Christ Followers are the light of Christ in this world. He puts us in a specific place at a specific time and equips us with everything needed to be light for those around us. He even gives us a resident light keeper, Holy Spirit, to ensure there’s fuel for our lamp and our lens is cleaned, sealed, and operational.

Jesus also said, “Let your light shine…” Matthew 5:16a (NASB)

Wow! The use of the word “let” tells me we can hinder the work of Holy Spirit in our lives and prevent our light from shining.

Our lives will shine bright for all to see if we cooperate with Holy Spirit. He is every Christian’s God-given Helper and He lives in us; available at all times to meet every need!

Paul wrote often about relationships and warned Christians not to grieve or quench the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30 & 1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Am I hiding my light when…

I don’t live my life with others?

I act as if I have nothing to share with others?

I’m not transparent with others?

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

How about you? Has someone been the light of Christ during a dark and/or stormy time in your life? Did your experience help you see the LORD differently? Has it changed the way you live?

I recently discovered George had never been in the St. Simons Island lighthouse. How could this be? He grew up right there on the island!

Right then and there, I made it my mission to take him to the lighthouse. It was a perfect July day! Blue skies, ocean breezes, and bearable humidity. We arrived early, watched a short documentary about the lighthouse, climbed all one hundred twenty-nine steps, explored the museum where the light keepers and their assistants lived, and took lots of pictures.

The galleries view was spectacular and extemely different than the view from below. It wasn’t long before I started pondering how much our point-of-view influences our trust in the LORD.

“My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NASB)

These are some of my favorite verses. It’s been many years since they first caught my attention and pressed me to take a more honest look at myself. Even now, I find almost all my struggles can be traced back to a lack of trust in God. Thankfully, I’ve learned to recognize the signs and stop the progress.

Procrastination is my first indicator. If I’m alert, I will catch myself. If I miss or ignore the warning signs, I’ll slip and slide my way down to reading my Bible from my own perspective and agenda. Soon after, I lose sight of the LORD and His sovereign goodness and love. Troubles always follow.

Don’t be discouraged! Our LORD always hears and answers our cries for help; even when it’s a mess of our own making. Sometimes there is mercy and grace, so we are spared the consequences. Others times we receive mercy, but the consequences come anyway. Either way, forgiveness and restoration is immediate. All we have to do is confess our sin of pride, and ask for help. And yes, trusting my own understanding, instead of God’s, is pride!

Most days, I read my Bible because I’m eager to hear God’s heart and learn His perspective on, well, everything. I’ve discovered something wonderful. When I choose to follow God’s way, my trust in Him grows. Next comes confidence in God and His ways. Confidence helps me let go of my need to understand God’s reason’s, so I can act. Putting action behind my beliefs is being faithful. And the faithful are overcomers!

Our lighthouse experience was a gentle reminder to remain self-controlled and alert; trusting the LORD with all my heart and not leaning on my own understanding (1 Peter 5:8 & Proverbs 3:5).

How about you? Does God remind you of lessons already learned? Why do you think He does that?

Category: Perspectives

Let Your Light Shine!

Lighthouse Views