The Lake Michigan shoreline (a short drive from where I live) is dotted with lighthouses built to enable ship captains to navigate into safe harbors. The structures are varied in size, shape, and color, but each has unique charm and beauty. Pictures of the lighthouses are featured in books and calendars, and some people collect replicas and other lighthouse items.
But lighthouses were not built just to be admired; they were built to hold lights that guide sailors to safety. A lighthouse is most useful and appreciated when, in the darkness of night, only its light can be seen—not the structure itself.
When Jesus sent out His disciples, He called them “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). He also indicated that their task was not to draw attention to themselves, but to do good works that would cause people to recognize God’s goodness and glorify Him.
Jesus said that just as a lamp’s purpose is to give light, we also are to let our light shine (vv.15-16). We’re most effective when we shine brightly in the darkness, guiding people who need to find safe harbor in Christ.
For a light to be effective, it has to be shining in a dark place.
My life was dark until the Light shone in,
That Light was Christ, who saved me from my sin;
His light that I've received I want to share
And let it shine to people everywhere. —Hess
A little light makes a big difference in the darkest night.