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Be a Tower of Light. A beacon of hope. Someone people can come to in times of need.

As Christians, we have several “symbols” that are universally known to us and others that are to represent Christianity.

One example is the fish (you know the one-it’s usually seen on the bumper of someone’s car) like this: Of course, the cross is an important symbol in Christianity: And one a little lesser-known, but still important is the lighthouse like this: 

The Bible uses a lot of imagery throughout to paint a better picture of God, His Word, His people, His commandments, etc. The lighthouse is an excellent piece of imagery we can apply to our lives and here is why…

1. Most ships nowadays have high-tech equipment to let them know how far they are from land and allow them to better navigate their way, but before this technology, lighthouses were used for safety.

We, as Christians, should be a place of safety and refuge for people. People should feel free to come to us, without judgment, for prayer, advice, or just a hand to hold through a tough time in their life. We need to point them to our only true refuge, God.

2. Lighthouses alerted sailors that their ship was approaching a sometimes rock-covered and dangerous shore.

We, as Christians, should help others avoid temptations. We shouldn’t sneer or condemn, but we should help motivate one another and keep each other on the right path.

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.“

3. Lighthouses were also a beam of comfort to travelers who had endured many difficult weeks or months at sea and let them know that they were almost to land.

We, as Christians, should lead people home. Of course, the home I’m speaking of is a spiritual home. We need to lead people to Christ so we can enjoy Heaven together.

4. Lighthouses are very sturdy structures that weathered many storms. They represent stability. Even when the waves are crashing against them, they stand firm.

We, as Christians, should stand firm on the solid Rock (God) that holds our foundation firm even when the enemy is attacking us from all around.

Psalm 78:35 “And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.”

5. The men and women that kept the lights burning for sailors also provoke deep feelings of determination, because they would work tirelessly to ensure that the light shone for those at sea.  They had to keep the glass clean, the light burning at all times after sunset, and had to climb up and down many (some have more than 300) stairs multiple times per day. Their continued diligence and attention to detail saved lives and guided many sailors safely home.

We, as Christians, need to be diligent about seeking God and telling others about Christ. We need to do all that we can to make sure our light shines as bright as possible to guide others to Him.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me. “ I’m implementing a new “regular” segment called “Music Mondays.” Every Monday, I will post popular song lyrics in the Christian community and will tell of their Biblical importance and specifically, their meaning in my life.

I don’t know how long this segment will continue, but let me know what you guys think and maybe I’ll keep it up for a while.

Today’s featured song is “If We are the Body” by Casting Crowns

I’ve been meaning to post about this for a while because it kept coming up in my life. Let me explain…our church just went through the experience of hiring a new pastor. During the hiring process, we had several guest speakers at our church. For two Sundays in a row, two different pastors came and each preached on the body of Christ. What are the odds?! Of all the scriptures they could have preached on, they both touched on the same topic.

Here are the lyrics to “If We are the Body” by Casting Crowns

“It’s crowded in worship today As she slips in trying to fade into the faces The girls’ teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know Farther than they know

A traveler is far away from home. He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row. The weight of their judgmental glances Tells him that his chances are better out on the road.

But if we are the body, Why aren’t His arms reaching? Why aren’t His hands healing? Why aren’t His words teaching? And if we are the body, Why aren’t His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way.

Jesus paid much too high a price For us to pick and choose who should come. And we are the body of Christ.

See a music video with lyrics here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4wojcSO9Ww

As the body of Christ, we are called to be His hands and His feet. We are His mouth. We are His arms. We are his entire body. We are to speak His words. We are to help others with our hands. We are to come to others with out-stretched arms and hug and comfort those around us. We are to use our feet to walk on His path and tell others about Him all across the world.

Many of us become complacent in our Christianity. We accept Jesus into our lives and ask Him to live in our hearts, but never change the way we live. It is a lifestyle change. We have to change once we accept Christ because if we truly accept Him, he will change EVERYTHING about us. We are now free, we are a new creation, we are His, we are redeemed from our sins, and we are called to do His will. Many forget this step, but it’s the most important part of the process. Man cannot get into Heaven on good deeds alone, but accepting Christ wholeheartedly changes you and allows you to be whole. You are more than the person you once were. You are now complete, in Him and through Him.

My challenge to you this new year-FULLY commit to God.

Use your hands to help someone else. Use your words to encourage others. Use your feet to bless someone else. Be Christ-like.
