"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

How Bright Is Your Light?

"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." Philippians 2:14-15

In the early 1800's, a Frenchman invented what is now known as the Fresnel lens. These lenses were installed in lighthouses. They are made out of a series of prisms. Quite a few lighthouses still have this unique and irreplaceable lens.

Special care was needed to keep the lens working smoothly. Lighthouse keepers would carefully clean each individual prism several times a week, removing dirt and debris. The intensity of sunlight shining through the prisms was capable of starting fires, so lighthouse keepers often would cover the lens during daylight hours.

I thought of these facts as I read this verse this morning. We are to be shining like bright lights to the world around us. We can only do this when our glass is clear and clean. When we have dirt smudges (sin) in our life, it affects the light that shines out of us.

I pray that my light (Christ in me) shines brightly for all to see.

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