How’s your light? Bright, dark or dim?
By Pastor Don Squires,
Temple Free Will Baptist Church, Darlington
Matthew 5:14-16: You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it (hide it) under a bushel (basket) (dark), but on a candlestick (bright); and it giveth light to all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. A DARK LIGHT. (One that’s hidden.) Still saved, just ain’t shining. … Gives no light. Vs. 15 — You can’t see … nor can He be seen in you, in this condition. … Loses its purpose. Vs. 15 – You’re a candle (light). You’re supposed to be shining, lighting the way for others to see Him. What good is a light if it doesn’t shine? Your purpose is to light up the dark with His light. Have you lost your purpose? What caused it? It wasn’t the Lord. So why has your light gone out? How long you gonna stay there? … Lets others stay in darkness. Psalm 82:5: They do not know nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness. Why do I stub my toe and hit my head on things? You’re walking in the dark. Matthew 15:14: Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. You could be leading others astray by walking around in the dark. A BRIGHT LIGHT: … One that’s projected so others may see. Project the promises of your Savior. Vs. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. … One that’s productive. Guess what Christians are supposed to produce? Other Christians. A bright light will produce believers. … One that’s pleasing to God. We are lights for His glory, for His honor. Vs. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. John 8:29: “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” A DIM LIGHT: A bright light is pleasing to God. Who have you been shining for lately? Satan or the Savior? Maybe you’ve allowed your light to go dim. Not out yet but on the way. Your wick may need to be trimmed from … Bad habits. Bad company. People who pull you in the wrong direction. So-called friends who make it a struggle to stay on track. Bitter memories from a past that has been pardoned. You can’t change the past but you can make a difference now. Maybe shame and guilt that the devil has you chained down with – God’s forgiven you. Anything outside the Word of God is Sin. It will make your light go dim. 2 John 1:10-11: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting (do not wish him godspeed) 11 for the one who gives him a greeting (godspeed, or wishes him well) participates in his evil deeds. Have you allowed things to get between you and the true light? Ask yourself: How’s my light? Bright, dark or dim?