Clean Living, Clean Lights
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.”
Luke 11:33–35
Before the spread of electricity, most homes in America used lanterns filled with kerosene or whale oil for light. The majority of these lanterns used a glass container to keep the flame from getting either blown out by gusts of wind or from starting a fire. Over time, the glass would be smudged by the soot from the burning wick, and the light would become less and less bright until it was cleaned. Without that important step, the light would not have the impact on the darkness that was needed.
The Bible uses a metaphor of Christians as lights in several places. Of course we understand that we do not produce the light—that is God’s job, for light is part of His very nature and essence. But we are commanded to be lights as we live in a world of darkness. That requires a commitment on our part to live according to the Word of God. Pastor Bobby Roberson said, “I don’t have to keep the light shining, I just have to keep the globe clean!”
It is a tragic error to suppose that by becoming more and more like the world we will gain a greater influence on others. Instead the accumulation of sinfulness and worldly living dims our light until it reaches the point where it can hardly be seen. Instead of conforming to the world, we need to be continually cleansed and forgiven so that our lights will shine brightly.
Luke 11:33–35
Before the spread of electricity, most homes in America used lanterns filled with kerosene or whale oil for light. The majority of these lanterns used a glass container to keep the flame from getting either blown out by gusts of wind or from starting a fire. Over time, the glass would be smudged by the soot from the burning wick, and the light would become less and less bright until it was cleaned. Without that important step, the light would not have the impact on the darkness that was needed.
The Bible uses a metaphor of Christians as lights in several places. Of course we understand that we do not produce the light—that is God’s job, for light is part of His very nature and essence. But we are commanded to be lights as we live in a world of darkness. That requires a commitment on our part to live according to the Word of God. Pastor Bobby Roberson said, “I don’t have to keep the light shining, I just have to keep the globe clean!”
It is a tragic error to suppose that by becoming more and more like the world we will gain a greater influence on others. Instead the accumulation of sinfulness and worldly living dims our light until it reaches the point where it can hardly be seen. Instead of conforming to the world, we need to be continually cleansed and forgiven so that our lights will shine brightly.
Today’s Growth Principle:
If our lives are not clean, the impact we have on those around us will be diminished.
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