By definition, a castle is a large building or group of buildings fortified against attack with thick walls, battlements, towers, and in many cases a moat.¹ And a lighthouse is a structure (such as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators.²

The Ardencaple Castle Lighthouse (pictured above and below) is located in Helensburgh, Scotland and stands 45 feet tall. This tower is what’s left of the original Ardencaple Castle which was built in the 12th century. By the turn of the 18th century, the building had deteriorated quite a bit. It underwent a major restoration in the 19th century but was later demolished in 1957 by the Scottish government in order to build naval housing on the grounds.

 

Analogy 1

There are numerous buildings that look like or are referred to as castles when in fact they aren’t. The same holds true for some towers that can be mistaken for real lighthouses.

Not a real castle

Not a real lighthouse

The Ardincaple Castle Lighthouse is technically neither a castle nor an official lighthouse but a renovated tower that was part of a castellated mansion and which now serves as a makeshift navigational aid. Spiritually speaking, the Ardincaple Light reminds me of secular as well as religious imposters.

The world is filled with deceitful people who successfully conquer the spotlight with their pretentious looks, eloquence, or seemingly vast expertise. They skillfully persuade their followers/admirers in order to gain popularity and become rich by preying upon their gullibility. Likewise, there are those among the Church who have an outward appearance of piousness and spirituality that draws people to themselves rather than to Christ. They too use this masquerade for personal gain and satisfaction. Paul warns us against such imposters.

It doesn’t surprise me how easy it is for those whose hearts and minds have not been transformed by the Holy Spirit to succumb to the deceitfulness of fakers and wannabes. But what I cannot understand is how some Christians who have been given the same Holy Spirit to guide them fall for the lies of religious charlatans. Perhaps these “believers” have only had an intellectual encounter with Christ and not a soul & spirit one. Or, as I mention in my devotion titled Discern or be Bitten, they simply lack discernment.

We must be so grounded in God’s word that we are not easily led astray by spurious preachers and teachers. At the same time, we must remain humble in our spiritual knowledge and assurance to avoid from getting too complacent, comfortable, or cocky with our Christianity. We must never forget that without Christ we are nothing. All that we are and all that we can ever be is only possible in Him, through Him, and for His glory.

Analogy 2

According to Scriptures, there are two spiritual kingdoms in power, namely the evil and hostile kingdom of this world (ruled by Satan) and the righteous and peaceful kingdom of God (ruled by Christ). 

The Ardincaple Castle Light, which is part of an actual castle that now shines as a beacon of hope, also reminds me of those who have left the kingdom of darkness and are now living in and shining the light of God’s kingdom.

Those who are bound to the kingdom of this world live by the flesh (sinful nature). In other words, they are carnally minded. Those who belong to the kingdom of Christ live according to the Spirit (of God). In other words, they are spiritually minded. They have been given His light to shine and draw others unto Him, not to themselves.  And though their true identity and worth are found in knowing that they are part of a Royal Priesthood, the grace that granted them this privilege is what keeps them humbled and submitted to the lordship of Christ. They understand that ALL glory, power, and praise belongs to Him. So, they boast not on who they are or what they have accomplished but on who He is and what He has done.  These are the men and women that serve as good examples for us to follow. These are the men and women we must be to serve as good examples for others. 

If you have experienced salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, then I encourage you to keep shining His light. Remember, you are part of an eternal kingdom whose ruler now lives in and through you. You have been set apart to declare His glory and goodness to the world.

However, if you still haven’t turned over your life to Christ, then I invite you to reach out to Him today so that you too can be set free from the kingdom of this world. All you have to do is confess Him as the King of your life and commit to following Him. Use THIS LINK for more information on how to become a Castle Light for Jesus. Then come back to this page and join God’s princes and princesses in saying the prayer below. God bless you. 

Prayer: Thank you, heavenly Father, for calling me out of the kingdom of darkness and into your kingdom of light. Guide me with your Spirit and grant me discernment so that I may stand firm against all forms of deceit. Your grace has granted me the privilege to part of a Royal Priesthood and I embrace my call to live as such. Help me to keep shinning the light of your salvation so that those who are still bound in spiritual darkness may be set free. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. 

SCRIPTURE
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”-John 15:5

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” -Galatians 6:14 

“…as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.” -Ephesians 4:13b, 14 (BSB)

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

1 – Oxfordictionary.com

2 – Meriam-webster.com