Morning By Morning #250

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure,

children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine

like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.

Philippians 2:14 – 16

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Light is used to reveal things. Thus, a Christian’s light should shine so brightly that a person could not know him even one week without also knowing the gospel. A believer’s conversation should be such that those around him should clearly perceive whose he is, whom he serves, and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions.

Light is used for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark, holding forth the Word of life to them. We are to point sinners to the Savior and the weary to the divine place of rest. When people read the Bible but fail to understand it, we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer of the meaning of God’s Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. (See Acts 8:26 – 39.)

Light is used for warning. Just as a lighthouse warns sailors of a rocky coast, Christians should know there are many false lights all around the world, and therefore the right light is needed as a warning. Satan’s army of destruction is everywhere, tempting the ungodly to sin in the name of pleasure. They shine the wrong light; thus, it is our job to shine the true light on every dangerous rock. We must point out each sin and its consequences so we may be “innocent of the blood of all men” (Acts 20:26), shining as lights in the world.

Light has a cheering influence, and so must Christians. A believer should be a comforter, having kind words on his lips and sympathy in his heart. He should take sunshine wherever he goes and spread happiness all around.

Gracious Spirit dwell with me;

I myself would gracious be,

And with words that help and heal

Would Your life in mine reveal,

And with actions bold and meek

Would for Christ my Savior speak.

Thomas Toke Lynch, 1818 – 1871

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12), and “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). And He told Nicodemus, “Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God” (John 3:19, 21).

The Lord, who is the light, also told His followers,

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14 – 16