Considered one of the most scenic and photographed lighthouses in the world, the Lindau Lighthouse (pictured above) has long been a major tourist attraction in Germany. Built in 1856, this medieval-style stone tower is 108 ft. tall and is located in the old island town of Lindau in Lake Constance. What sets this lighthouse apart from other beacons is that it also has a massive clock built into its facade. The lighthouse, which is in the center of the city, continues to guide mariners safely to shore while its clock keeps its inhabitants from losing track of time.

Randy Pausch said, “Time is all you have. And you may find one day that you have less than you think.” So the question to ask ourselves is whether we are using our time wisely or not. Both in spiritual and practical living. Are we making time to truly shine? Shining the light of Christ is not just talking about God all the time, or faithfully attending church, or advertising our “Christianity” with bumper stickers, t-shirts, or social media memes. It’s about intentionally, unselfishly and even sacrificially reaching out to those in a dark and sinful world. It encompasses more than just words and emotions. It should actually cause us to step out of our comfort zones and touch people’s lives with acts of kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. We must demonstrate genuine concern not only for their spiritual needs but their physical needs as well.

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” -1 John 3:18

“And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others so that they will not be unfruitful.” -Titus 3:14 (BSB)

“If one of you tells him, ‘Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,’ but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?” -James 2:16

This will unquestionably call for us to work. And the only time we have to work is now while it’s daytime (while we are alive) because the day will eventually come to an end and night will fall (we will pass away).

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 4:26

The only way to guarantee that our light will shine long after we are gone is to always preach the Gospel and as St. Francis of Assisi would say, “use words only when necessary.” Leaving a legacy of faithfulness to God, family, and community can best be accomplished through faith-encouraged deeds rather than a bullhorn.

^“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” -James 2:17

As I have stated in the ‘About’ section of this blog, everyone has been given a gift that can be used to make a difference in someone’s life. And while we can undoubtedly impact the world through prayer, broadcasts and published works, if we are physically capable, we ought to get up and commit to doing good deeds by being a physical extension of Christ’s hands and feet.

“Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.” -1 Peter 4:10 (HCSB)

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9

And we must certainly never stop declaring the Gospel.

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. -Acts 5:42

Like the Lindau Lighthouse, we must keep shining right where we are but we must also keep track of time (we’ll never know how much we truly have left) and exercise our faith through random acts of kindness. And let us not forget that though the night (death) may not fall upon us for a while, there are many, including family members and friends, who are still living in sin and upon whom night can fall at any moment. So, let’s seize every opportunity and Shine while there is still time!

“Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10

“Preach the word at all time. Be ready in season and out of season.” -2 Timothy 4:2

Prayer: Dear God, teach me to number my days. For my life here is fleeting and I desire to live it fully in obedience to you. Help me to shine beyond my Christian convictions by giving me a genuine heart for people. Teach me to love them and serve as you would. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

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