Lighthouses
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14
	I've never met many people who don't like lighthouses. Some expressed an appreciation for the beauty of their various settings--their geographical locations. Others admired them for the function they performed--their beams of light cutting through the darkest of nights or the roughest weather. While some are located at sea level and one might wonder the purpose for them being where they are, each is situated to send out a beacon of light. That beacon not only warns, but serves as a locator. They were called "great lights"--not for the size of the light, but for the distance at which they could be seen--that beam of light, cutting through the gloom of storm or the dark of night. The "great lights" are now automated and can be remotely operated.
In calm seas, during the light of day, or located high up on a hill to be seen for miles and miles, it's easy to admire them standing tall above all else around them. The captains of ships, large or small, from ports all over the world, quickly learn to identify each light by its unique design and markings, or location. Lighthouses required high maintenance: their exposure to the extremes of nature required frequent repairs. The lights had to be cleaned, replaced, checked--all BEFORE they were needed--they HAD to shine. For them to not send that beacon of light meant a ship would surely run aground, be destroyed on the rocks of the harbor, or lose its way. Even so, many a great ship has gone down due to failure to heed the warning or those at the helm not having seen it in time.
	The keepers were confined to their jobs; the weather could change rapidly. It wasn't so bad on the days and/or nights when the weather was clear--one could see for many miles in almost any direction. Yet there were those times when, whatever the perils to life and limb: biting cold, hurricane-strength winds, pounding waves--someone had to light that light. Someone had to go out into those conditions to make certain that light was piercing the darkness. Just as did the buildings themselves, the "Lighthouse Keepers" not only lived isolated lives, but in many locations, endured nature's worst storms. It was not uncommon for the lighthouses to be destroyed--a number of them had to be rebuilt or undergo major repairs due to damage sustained from storms endured. Nor was it unheard of for the keeper(s) to be swept into the sea during a raging storm--gone without a trace.
Through the decades, many lighthouses were abandoned because no one could be found who was willing to live under "lighthouse" conditions. With few exceptions, those great lights keep lonely vigils, high above those who need them. People are still enthralled by the lure of their locations--high above the surrounding area, usually in a picturesque setting. But that's the very reason it was so hard to find and keep lighthouse keepers--lighthouses were not located where they were to lure people in: they were where they were to warn people away because it was not only a place of danger on calm days, it was a treacherous area to be anywhere near during rough seas and stormy weather. Many are accessible only by the roughest of trails or by having to climb many steps--some can only be reached by aircraft. They do not beckon a welcome, "Closer, closer!" To the contrary, their message is one of "Warning! There is danger! Keep away! Keep away!"
	In praying to be "a light to the world", I was convicted in my heart of my prayer. As if God were asking me the question, "Are you willing to perform the duties involved in maintaining such a light? Are you truly willing to be a lighthouse keeper?" Was I? Are we? We SAY we want to be a light to the world, but do we really mean it? Have we truly counted the cost of what it means to live the "lighthouse life"? Too many are in love with the "idea"--but when storms arise, it's every man for himself, with them being the first to get to safety. Sorry, that's not the "lighthouse" way. Despite the jeopardy to their own lives, lighthouse keepers had to make sure the warnings were out for others!
Too many want the popular vote or to be a member of the "in" crowd, to be a lighthouse keeper. Not only does it entail standing tall high above all that is around us, no matter how rough it may get at times, but it means being isolated. It is in those periods of isolation, when there are no cheering crowds, that the most important job duties are done! You see, that's when the TRUE value of a lighthouse comes in: during the ROUGHEST of times. While all around us others are running for cover, lighthouse keepers go into action. Let's face it: too many times, we have trouble maintaining our Christian walk on the GOOD days! On the GOOD days, we don't "need" God--He is FAR from our thoughts. We're on the mountain, the breeze is balmy, the sun is shining, all is right with our world. He's the last we communicate with, if at all. But then--then we see storm clouds on the horizon, and we're devastated: our faith gives way to worry and doubt (they always travel together, you know). Our joy gives way to sorrow. Our hope is swallowed in defeat. We tumble from that lofty height to the depths of despair.
	Yet, Jesus, Himself, told us that we are the "light of the world", and that's what we are supposed to be. In good weather or bad, calm seas or boisterous waves, summer zephyrs or hurricane-force winds, we are to maintain our "lights". Steadfastly with our eyes upon Jesus, we are to be a shining light to those who may have lost their way in the darkness of sin. To those who are navigating blindly upon the sea of life, unaware of the dangers of their route, our lives must be a beacon of light. Here's a news flash for you: You ARE a lighthouse keeper! If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you ARE a lighthouse keeper! Will your house stand, anchored to that solid rock foundation, Jesus Christ? Or have the storms of life buffeted you to the point your foundation is no longer secure?
Have you been lured away from Christ by the things of this world so that your light is dimmed? Is your light in danger of going out? The Word of God tells us: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corinthians 16:13. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1. For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. I Thessalonians 3:8.
	Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil...Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore... Ephesians 6:10-14. When you go to Ephesians 6:10 and begin reading that passage, you will soon notice that it lists a breastplate, a girdle (or covering for the hips), a shield, footwear, helmet, and sword. I didn't see anything there for the backside, did you? Nothing for our backs. Why is that? The Holy Spirit did not "forget" to divine this to the writer: there's been no mistake made! Think about it! It says, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore! Stand! Don't run!
When we accepted the Lord as our PERSONAL Savior, we were anchored to the surest foundation there is--that Solid Rock, Christ Jesus! Yet, unarmed by the weapons of protection God has provided to each of us, the storms of life can tear away at our foundation. We want the accolades of friends and loved ones so badly, we give in or give over, when we should be standing firm! It's been said that those who stand for nothing will fall for anything. That must surely explain why there's so much confusion in Christians' lives today: what are we standing for? Can we clearly define what we are standing for? Are we standing for Christ or is it more of the old "When In Babylon..." ? Do our lights shine according to the company we keep?
	What does the Word of God say we are to do? It says we are to stand, and when we've done all we can, still stand. Don't run. Don't give in. And further, we are told: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither 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. Let 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. Jesus is our light, my friends. But we need to maintain the lighthouse. And how do we do that? ...Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints... We need to make certain HIS light can shine through us, that ALL the world may see and know that we serve a RISEN Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. For in so doing, we glorify our Father which is in Heaven.
I thank God for all the lighthouses that have been in my life: My parents, my Aunt Marie, my husband, the friends He has given me, and my pastors. As "lighthouse keepers", the lives they live are bright beacons to guide the way to safe harbor. Their prayers, the encouragement they offer--my, my, I know exactly where I'd be if it wasn't for the lighthouses in my life: lost and undone without God. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, remember this: you ARE a lighthouse keeper! Let the bright beacon of the love of God shine through your life so you can guide souls to the safe harbor of everlasting salvation through Jesus Christ. May God bless you abundantly!
(all emphasis on scriptures, such as bold, underline or uppercase, is mine) "Lighthouses" Copyright © 2000 by Patricia Sikes. All Rights Reserved.
The Lighthouse
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