In contrast to my previous devotion titled, “Like Little Red“, where I encouraged you to be like one of the lighthouses I had the privilege of visiting this past summer, this post is to encourage you NOT to be like this red and white lighthouse. Why? Well, let’s just say that even though very little is written about it enough is said to make an analogy between its function and the faulting spiritual state of many Christians in the world today.

This tower is located in Arholma Island, Sweden. It was built in 1768 and was partially constructed from the ruins of a castle that was destroyed during the Russian Pillage. It stands 52 feet tall and has never been lit because it only serves as a day beacon or daymark. In other words, it is visible and functions as a guide to sailors only in the daytime. The inside of the tower is currently used as an art gallery.

From a distance, one can obviously see that it is shaped like a lighthouse. It is painted like a lighthouse and partially functions as a lighthouse. In fact, it is known as the Arholma Lighthouse. Ironically, it has no light to shine so calling it a lighthouse or beacon is sort of paradoxical. Now granted, it does serve as a directional guide along the Stockholm archipelago during clear days, but it is useless during stormy or foggy weather and especially at night. Since there really isn’t a detailed history of this tower I cannot say for certain why it wasn’t given a light let alone why it is referred to as a lighthouse.

The Arholma Lighthouse reminds me of how some of us Christians proclaim our faith. We look and walk the talk mostly during the “daytime” when everyone is watching. We are especially good at it on Sunday mornings and during our club-like fellowships. And let us not forget our social media platforms! We love to stand out by quoting Scripture, using righteous lingo and even denouncing sin. But how about in times of turmoil when the storms of life strike us and the fog of temptation surround us? How about when the sun goes down, when all lights are out and no one is watching? Or better yet, how about when we are in the midst of the darkness of this world mingling with unsaved friends and acquaintances, do we continue to shine? Do we still look and walk the talk?

Be careful brothers and sisters! If our testimony is not guarded, especially when no one but God is watching we run the risk of becoming like the Arholma Lighthouse. We can end up being helpful daymarks, but useless night beacons. We can become like the Pharisees who Jesus compared to white-washed tombs or like the lukewarm “Christians” that will be rejected by God. Plus, we set ourselves up to be judged and sentenced with the final words, “depart from me…I do not know you!”

As lighthouses for God, we are to shine for His glory during the day (when all eyes are on us) and during the night (when we are alone behind closed doors). We are to proclaim salvation by standing firm through all kinds of weather. We are to shine His light at all times and walk in His holiness no matter the condition of this world. For there will always be someone looking out for help and there will certainly always be Someone watching.

Prayer: Help me, Oh Lord, to stand firm in all circumstances. To shine at all times, especially when no one but you is watching. Remind me that I have been called to guide the lost with your word and with a testimony that reflects the power of your salvation. In Jesus name I pray, amen. 

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” -Matthew 23:27

“So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.” -Revelation 3:16 (HCSB)

“Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, “Who sees us?” or “Who knows us?”- Isaiah 29:15

“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.'” -Matthew 7:22-23

“Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” -Hebrews 13:18

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” -Philippians 4:8

 -ALL SCRIPTURE IS QUOTED FROM THE NIV EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFIED.