Pictured above is the Lighthouse of Genoa, aka Lanterna, which is located at the Genoa Seaport in Italy.  Did you notice it right away? When I came across this photo I wondered what drew the photographer to capture the scene. Was it the conglomeration of lights that adorn the bay area like Christmas lights on a tree? Or was it that one (lighthouse) light rising above the rest? To be honest, that’s not what I saw at first glance. What caught my attention was the bright and golden reflection of the other lights. And that too got me thinking;  in a world filled with many lights (secular attractions/philosophies) are we shining the greater light of Christ in such a way that people can notice it from afar? Can they differentiate it from the lesser lights of intellectuality, carnal pleasures, and even religiosity? Are we overpowering the lights that are distracting souls from the truth of God and His kingdom? Or have we assimilated into the popular culture so much that people can no longer tell the difference between our message of God’s love and the many other “spiritual” and philosophical messages out there? In other words, have we become just another light among the lights? 

Longbeach harbor lighthouse, CA

Port Rethymnon Lighthouse, Crete

Jesus is not only the Lord of lords and King of kings but since He is the light of the world, He is also the Light of lights! Those who have accepted Him as the Lord and King of their lives now possess His light. That is why He himself has declared that all who follow Him are also the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). That simply means that His eternal light in us should rise above the temporary lights of this world, lights that are attractive and appear “good” in nature but are truly detrimental to the soul of man. These lights are similar to the zappers that attract nocturnal bugs leading them straight to their demise. 

But how can our light shine brighter among so many other bright lights? For one, it’s not only the lumen (message) of our light that needs to increase but the height and strength of the tower that holds our lamp as well, namely our steadfastness and faith [Read Faith, A Strong Tower]. The message of the Gospel is more effective (shines brighter) when we proclaim it with our very lives. Here are three things that can greatly help increase the luminosity of our light:

• Our commitment to serving Christ through a local body of believers (as long as we have the ability to do so)

• Being conscious of our behavior both in public (our testimony) and in private (our character)

• Our pursuit of holiness through Christian disciplines

All of these in conjunction with the indwelling Spirit of God allows the tower of our faith to grow stronger. And when our faith grows, the higher our light is lifted up. And the higher our light is lifted up, the more people it reaches. And when the world notices our light shining, they are actually seeing Jesus in us. And when the world sees Jesus in us, we are no longer a light among the lights. We can actually be the light of the world and shine like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15) drawing all men unto the saving arms of Jesus! (John 12:32)

Prayer: Oh glorious Lord and Savior, you truly are the eternal Light of the world. Your light has guided me and kept me safe in the tower of your redeeming grace. Help me to remain faithful in serving you, being a good witness, and growing spiritually so that your light in me can shine brighter and higher above the other lights of this world. And with the help of your Holy Spirit in me, I will be able to guide lost souls into your saving arms. In your precious name, I pray. Amen.

SCRIPTURES
“And I, when I am LIFTED up from the earth, will DRAW all people to myself.” -John 12:32

“In him was life, and that life was the LIGHT of ALL mankind. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” -John 1:4,9

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever FOLLOWS me will never walk in darkness, but will HAVE the light of life.” -John 8:12

“So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will SHINE among them like STARS in the sky.” -Philippians 2:15

ALL SCRIPTURE IS QUOTED FROM THE NIV EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFIED

Old Lighthouse in port of Genoa at night, Italy. Royalty-Free Stock Photo ID 82554140 © Olgacov | Dreamstime.com