What kind of light are you producing?

Recently, while involved in a discussion about light bulbs I had the interesting thought of how like them Christians are. You might ask, "Pastor, what do light bulbs have to do with living an overcoming victorious Christian life?" and I would have to admit at first I didn't think they had much to do with it. However, after a couple of questions were discussed, I have to admit it's just possible there may be quite a comparison between Christians and light bulbs.

The first question discussed was, "Do light bulbs have any purpose outside of what the power source gives it?"

Well, I suppose we could make an argument they have a certain aesthetic value. They come in all shapes, designs and sizes and are very often chosen for how good they look and how well they fit the decor of the light fixture and the house they are to be used in. As it was talked about I could see the beginnings of a pretty good sermon until I realized the second chapter of James covers the thought pretty well.

Next to be discussed was, "Does it make a difference whether or not a light bulb is plugged into a light fixture that is connected to the power source?"

I suppose if it were chosen for its aesthetic value it wouldn't be necessary to be plugged into a fixture or energy source but that gives rise to the next thing discussed.

"Can a light bulb give off light outside of the power source?"

Well, even those "trick" bulbs that light in your hand to "wow" the kids require some kind of power source. I believe we usually call them batteries. A battery however, no matter how good our technology has become, has a major failing -- the more it's used, the more it's depleted. But, but, how about rechargeable batteries? Well, to recharge the battery it has to be -- wait for it -- plugged into a -- yes, you got it -- power source or it will soon start to die and the light it gives off will grow ever dimmer until it finally dies.

I can think of several points for sermons in that thought but no, I think Jesus totally nixed the idea of showing light apart from a power source. He rather put it we will be connected to one of two power supplies in Luke 16:10-15.

Continuing the thought one might question "is it wrong to question whether or not light bulbs are plugged into the power source, if they don't give off any light?"

A better question would be, "what kind of light is the bulb producing?" As we know, there are numerous types of light waves from the completely invisible to our naked eye to that which can destroy. There is no doubt, however, any hope of producing good fruit is completely dependent on our being connected to the proper power source as can be seen in John 15:1-6.

In the same vein of thought is this question. "What impact do unlit light bulbs have on the world around it?"

As it's day, it is rarely noticed whether a bulb is connected to a power source or lit. It's admired for its "look good in the fixture/house" factor but let darkness start to fall and it's a different story; light is needed to light the way. When people need encouragement, guidance and hope and if the bulb isn't lit illuminating the proper path they will seek the help wherever they can leaving them open to all sorts of deception such as is spoken of in Matthew 7:15-20, 24:23-25 and Acts 20:29-30.

As we consider, let us consider these thoughts: Which power supply are we connected to? Darkness or light? It is rather easy to tell you know -- our lives show it.

What kind of light are we producing? That which lights the path of righteousness for ourselves and those who are stumbling? Or is the light we're broadcasting like a strobe light -- confusing, on again, off again? If you've ever experienced one? It's rather blinding in a not good way. Or worse than merely blinding, is the light shining from you leading to deeper darkness by justifying and excusing sin? Oh! Just so you are completely aware, I'm not speaking of justifying and excusing other peoples' sin; we rather tend to deflect things like that but rather yours.

Consider well the light that is in you and is coming out from you. Jesus had a bit to say about that.

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Editor's note: Charlie Newman is pastor of Avoca Christian Church. The opinions expressed are those of the author. To contact him, e-mail [email protected], or write in care of The Times at [email protected] or P.O. Box 25, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.

Religion on 08/17/2016