"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light." (Luke 8:16, ESV)

I like light. If you walk through my home, you will notice several lamps in each room. I also have plug-in nightlights, lights on timers, flashlights, and even rechargeable lights in case the electricity goes out. Outside I have motion lights and other lights on timers. I even take a nightlight when I travel. Without light, I'm apt to stumble in the dark. I feel much safer when there is light.

A few months ago, a severe storm disrupted the power in several neighborhoods, including mine. For two days, I was without electricity. At night, I sat in the dark with one small oil lamp providing a little light. The flashlight batteries were weak, and the beam didn't reach far. Hours later, learning of my predicament, friends brought some rechargeable lightbulbs. What a difference they made! The light was much stronger!

LIGHT IS ESSENTIAL

Light is important to our existence because light is life-sustaining. We have life on earth because we have the light and heat of the sun. Otherwise, our planet would be frozen, barren, and uninhabitable. Nothing would grow.

Light also dispels darkness. When light comes, darkness disappears. The two cannot coexist. Even the tiniest flicker of light breaks through the darkness.

We live in a dark, sinful world - a world that needs the light of the gospel. They are walking blindly, and without light they cannot see the danger that lies around them.

"The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble." (Proverbs 4:19, ESV).

WE ARE LIGHT

According to God's Word, we possess the light that others so urgently needed. Those around us need our steady light to find their way. It will break through the darkness and reveal a safe path.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14, ESV)

How do we light our world? Philippians 2:15 says that we must be blameless (spotless, untarnished), harmless (innocent,), and without rebuke (fault, blemish). Ephesians 5:8-9 states:

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)" (ESV).

When we bear the fruit of light, our lives become a testimony to those we meet. If our lives and our words are not in harmony, then we are like the flashlight with weak batteries. We cannot pierce the darkness when our light is dim. The world will listen to what we say after they see how we live. If there are any inconsistencies between our talk and our walk, they will disregard our message.

The night is dark and many are stumbling on an uncertain path. We must make sure our light burns brightly to show them the way.

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk