Ray is a lighthouse. He is tall, stationary, and rests upon a rocky cliff. Doug is a tugboat. He is small (compared to Ray), mobile, and lives on the water. In spite of their differences, both Ray and Doug share one defining quality that makes them strikingly similar. They are both incredibly strong! Because of this, Ray and Doug are able to save lives at sea. However, they do so in dramatically different ways. Ray stands still way above sea level in order to shine a beaming ray of light that will guide ships to safety. Doug navigates feverishly through raging seas in order to safely hook, pull, and drag stranded ships ashore.

Letty is a Lighttug. She is more like a combination of Ray and Doug. She Shines brightly while guiding, pulling, pushing, and doing whatever it takes not only to save those in distress but also help them recover and train them to go back into the sea to shine and rescue others. 

Many Christians are like Ray. They do not move about much, but they are always shining the light of Christ right where they are. They radiate the love, compassion, and peace of God every time they speak and interact with others. They are attentive listeners and sagacious counselors. Some are like Doug. They purposely travel to and fro searching for someone to help, to demonstrate the grace and mercy of God in tangible ways. They are willing servants and pro-active altruists. Yet others are like Letty. They take the Great Commission to the next level. They spend considerable time in God’s word, praying, fasting, and learning in order to GO (locally and distantly) to PREACH the Gospel (with words and deeds). They take it upon themselves to MAKE disciples by teaching others what it means to be true followers of Jesus Christ. They are selfless caregivers, ardent encouragers, and committed mentors, regardless of the cost.  

Between Ray the Lighthouse, Doug the Tugboat and Letty the Lighttug, which one is better or more important than the other two? If you answered neither, you are correct! They all work towards the same goal even if they do so in different ways. Likewise, every believer has been called, equipped, and empowered to seek and rescue those navigating aimlessly through the dark seas of sin and godlessness. Some will accomplish this by simply demonstrating a gentle, loving and compassionate spirit. Others will do so by intentionally stepping out of their comfort zone and into uncharted territories in order to reach them with the Gospel. Yet there are those who will go to even greater extents. They will forsake themselves not only to rescue the lost but also to feed, strengthen, and prepare them spiritually so that they will in turn shine, rescue, and teach others themselves.

Are you a Ray, a Doug, or a Letty? Regardless of who you identify with the most, you are part of God’s plan of salvation and THAT is what matters the most. It’s actually quite awesome! So, keep shining, tugging, and helping others find their way to Jesus. It is our highest and most important calling. 

Prayer: Precious Lord Jesus, you are the Captain of my ship and the Keeper of my light. Fill me with a greater love and passion for your Word and for the souls that are yet to make peace with you. Strengthen my resolve to reach them by radiating your love, guiding them with wisdom, rescuing them with compassion, comforting them with the help of your Spirit, and teaching them to do the same for others. In your holy name, I pray, Amen. 

Scriptures
“But I consider my life of no value to myself, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus — the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” -Acts 20:24

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” -Matthew 28:19

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

“I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” –1 Corinthians 9:23 (NASB)

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” -Romans 10:14 (ESV)

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

Conimicut Point lighthouse and tugboat courtesy of providencejournal.com
Cartoon Lighthouse and Tugboats – Frees Stock images photoshopped by JR.