Shine Your Light

"Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

Ever since I was a young girl, I have loved sitting near a campfire. It evokes a deep sense of comfort within me. I always look forward to roasting marshmallows for s’mores, watching the flames dance in the darkness, and feeling the warmth that wraps around everyone gathered in the circle. Best of all, I love the smoky aroma that seeps into everything, creating a lasting memory of time spent together.

Sitting by the fire one evening, I began to contemplate, “What kind of light do I radiate to the world?”

A Beam in the Darkness

Is my light like a campfire, leaving a wonderful aroma that draws people in with memories of joy? Or is it like a candle, burning pure, quiet, and steady?

Light surrounds us in a multitude of ways, but every single manifestation share one common purpose: it casts a beam into the darkness. Consider how these different expressions of light reflect the ways we can impact others:

• The Campfire: Bright and warm, fueling good times and offering safety to those nearby.

• The Scented Candle: Pleasing and calming to anyone who steps into the room.

• The Sparkler: Bursting with energy and joy, reminding us to celebrate life.

• The Flashlight: Practical and focused, guiding people safely along their path.

• The Porch Light: Constant and welcoming, signaling that you are finally home.

  
  

Be Prepared

All of these are beautiful examples of how we can live out our faith, keeping our influence alive and bright for a dark world to see.

Jesus knew exactly how vital it is for us to guard our light. In the Gospel of Matthew (25:1-13), He shares the parable of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Five were foolish and brought no extra oil for their lamps, while five were wise and prepared jars of oil to sustain their flame through a long night. When the bridegroom arrived at midnight, the foolish virgins found their lights sputtering out, leaving them locked outside the celebration.

This parable reminds us that maintaining our light requires spiritual preparation and daily fuel. It is our individual responsibility to cultivate and maintain a relationship with our Heavenly Father. We cannot survive on a borrowed flame; we must trade complacency for preparedness.

Be Intentional

To shine like a welcoming porch light or a comforting campfire, we must intentionally fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. Like the wise bridesmaids in the parable, we are called to a posture of urgency and watchfulness. Because the timing of Christ’s return is unknown, as believers we are called to a lifestyle of constant vigilance keeping our light shining through the darkness.

How will Christ’s light shine in you today? Be encouraged to keep your lamp full and wick trimmed. Stay close to Jesus, the Creator of all light, to ensure you have enough oil to burn bright until He returns.

In Christ's love,

Tracey