One of the most beautiful places we visited while in Puerto Rico was the Punta Tuna Lighthouse southeast of Maunabo. It sits on a narrow spit of land jutting out from the southeast shore of the island. Built in 1892 it was originally called Faro de Mala Pascua.
For many years the Punta Tuna Lighthouse’s lamp faithfully warned ships away from the Sargent Reef, but several hurricanes took their toll, seriously damaging the lighthouse and knocking out its lamp. Today it is still a popular tourist attraction and offers spectacular views of the ocean and coastline, but its light has gone out and it is otherwise useless.
In order for a lighthouse to remain an effective beacon of warning and hope to storm-tossed travelers, it must be regularly maintained. The same is true in our Christian lives. Jesus said of His followers, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14 NIV). As His disciples we are to shine like lights in the darkness of this world, guiding our fellow men to Jesus.
If we are to be effective lights to the world, however, we must keep our lamps trimmed and burning. We do this by staying connected to the source of our power, Jesus Christ, through daily Bible study and prayer, and by exercising our faith in service to others. If we don’t make this a priority every day, soon our lights will go out, just like that old lighthouse.
The Punta Tuna Lighthouse is a beautiful place to visit, but it is no longer serving the purpose for which it was built. Don’t let the same thing happen to you. Stay connected to Jesus and everyday “Be dressed, ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35 NIV).