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Beacon
There's a concern that I used to have, and I think that it's perhaps one that's been shared by a lot of others, as well. And that is looking out around us, at the people, things in the community around us, and things happening in the world. We see so many things wrong, that need to be changed. We see so many people that need to be reached for Christ, and then sometimes you can't help but wonder... Like, the Bible tells us to go out and spread God's word... The thought that I think comes to a lot of people is, How can I, just being one person, do any good whatsoever in this world?. You know how the Bible tells us we need to let our light shine so that others can see. Well, take a candle for example. You can see the light from the candle as it burns, even when lights are on around it. But the candle's light doesn't draw the same attention when there's so much other light around it. However, as the light around it starts to diminish (as the room gets dark), the same candle that's burning just as bright as it ever was, seems even brighter. Suddenly, the candle's light shines out further than it did before, and when all the other lights around it go out, it's the only light that's seen. Suddenly, it becomes a beacon... when all those around who have no other light to see by, see that light, which is still shining, and it's the only light that can guide them to where they need to go.  This light that shines in us, Christ, the Holy Spirit shining through us, is the same way. When we're in a situation, when we're surrounded by light all around us, when everything seems to be in good condition, you can still see that light, but the impact isn't quite the same. It doesn't quite have the same far-reaching aspects as it does when the world all around you suddenly starts to get darker. As the world around you starts getting darker, that light within you, Christ, that's shining through you, suddenly seems to get brighter. People can see it better, see a difference. And the darker this world gets, the more and more people around you will need that light. They will be able to see the light that's in you, seeing a difference, and you can be a beacon, a lighthouse, to show them where they need to be. In the past I always wondered what I could do, feeling like being just one person how could I make much of a difference. But then the more I began to understand really how God can shine through us, and how much of an impact that really can make... I just wanted to share this with you guys, in case any of you have been having these same concerns. Even just one person who's following Christ and His example can make a difference, and be a beacon. So just imagine if all the Christians out there, every one of us, would make an effort for people to see that light within us, just how many people would want to follow this light, right back to its source. 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) |