. . . in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world . . . Philippians 2:15 ESV
We use lights to make other things clear. Christians should so shine in their lives that other people could not live near them for a week without knowing the gospel. Our way of life should make it obvious to those around us who we belong to and who we serve. The image of Jesus should be reflected in our daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are still in the dark. We are to hold out the Word of life to them. We are to point sinners to the Savior, and the weary to a divine resting place. People sometimes read their Bible without understanding it; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct them in the meaning of God’s Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness (see Acts 8:26–40). Lights are also used for warning. On the rocks and shoals, a lighthouse is sure to be built. Christians should recognize that there are many false lights in the world, so the right light is needed. The marauders of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin in the name of pleasure. They raise the wrong light, so it is our responsibility to put up the true light on every dangerous rock, to point out every sin and tell where it leads. Then we will be innocent of the blood of all people, as we shine like lights in the world. Finally, lights also have a very encouraging influence—and so do Christians. Christians ought to be comforters, with kind words on their lips and sympathy in their hearts. We should carry sunshine wherever we go, and spread happiness all around us. Gracious Spirit dwell with me! I myself would gracious be; And with words that help and heal Would thy life in mine reveal; And with actions bold and meek Would for Christ my Savior speak. “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me,” Thomas Lynch (1855) - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening
In Christ we are illuminated by His light in our lives. He is the true light of the world.
Flashy lights can be false lights. A magician intentionally uses misdirection to pull off their tricks. Often with a flashy show of lights. More often than not a willing participant feels really dumb after they participate in seeing how easily even they were misdirected themselves.
Even Christians can be guilty of misdirection. Of leading people not towards Christ but away. I can be guilty of that myself at various times in my life.
We can easily get caught up in emotional highs and the excitement of the moment and forget just what's at stake.
Consider what Spurgeon said "The marauders of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin in the name of pleasure."
Again, even Christians can be guilty of the same. In America and across the world many cultures put great emphasis on sports. The thoughts behind the Biblical definition of idolatry and adultery both Christians and non-believers vary. Most, regardless of belief, do not take those words as seriously as God does. They consider them to be archaic words that do not mean the same thing today.
This world has no shortage of people encouraging others to embrace selfish desires and thoughts. Actively and passively you have both sides of the belief in God isle wanting you to make choices based on your feelings.
Your feelings do not determine whether or not the chair in which you sit will hold you up.
Your feelings do not determine whether or not gravity will hold you to the earth.
Your feelings CAN separate you from recognizing the truth about sin and salvation.
You CAN be played by the world to trust your feelings about what constitutes sin.
You CAN be played by the world to believe you have no need to take God seriously.
You CAN be played by the world to trust people whom you certainly should not.
Right around the time of the Rapture of the Church that is to come many of you reading this who hadn't placed your faith and trust in Christ Jesus alone for salvation, will be faced with trusting some as yet unknown world leader. He will demand your loyalty, demand your worship. He too will be a false light in this world.
Satan's MO hasn't changed much since Adam and Eve. Getting people convinced of how God is denying them things that they deserve.
You, my Dear Reader, need to recognize the true light of Jesus Christ from the false lights of this world.
Spurgeon says also that lighthouses are intentionally placed. You only find them in dangerous areas for a reason. You find them on the coastline, not 100 miles inland away from bodies of water. Your warnings might be shouted to you, but your intentionally disregarding the voice of the Spirit of God can make you deaf to it.
Christians today aren't as they were in Paul's time. Look at just how many really teach the whole counsel of God. Not many do. I have been to many churches in the last 20 years. Have seen idolatry actually promoted in a church service, by the Pastor, all in the name of reaching people for Christ. Obviously parts of Paul's writings to the Corinthians were overlooked and disregarded. The parts where he admonished them not to do anything to cause others to stumble or cause people to see Christ is a wrong way.
Adultery is brushed aside in many Churches today. Likewise divorce is disregarded as well in those attempting to be Pastors. We see people attempting to qualify people to be Pastors who absolutely do not meet the Biblical requirements. We see much within the Church that's really no different than a Club. Club rules, Club benefits etc.
Being a light isn't without danger. There's many a time when a light is turned on and what it reveals is so disquieting we yell to turn it off.
True light reveals truth. Regardless of our feelings on whatever it is, light is a revealer of the truth. You may not like what you see. When God’s light shines in a believer the way He intended, people’s lives are changed. Often both the vessel that has His light and those who experience that light.
Your acceptance of the truth of God in what He reveals to you sets the stage for either obedience or disobedience.
Ultimately your acceptance or rejection determines your future in either Heaven or Hell.
You must choose for you. You cannot choose for those who have died, nor can you choose for those whom you know. You cannot choose for your children or family. They cannot choose for you.
The purpose of light is to reveal what has been hidden from view by darkness.
Sin has been exposed to be exactly what Jesus has said that it was.
The consequences of sin is exactly what Jesus has said that it is.
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