There is a light on the campus of Walla Walla University which has a connection problem. It flickers on and off all through the night. As I walk by the campus early each morning, its flickering light is downright annoying. It has no consistency. Sometimes it lights my path, while other times it leaves me walking in the dark.
My Christian witness is too often like that light, flickering on and off. I’ll have seasons where my light will shine bright and I share Jesus with others with joy in my heart, but too often my light will flicker out when I face some challenge or disappointment.
I’m not the only one who has this problem, of course. The end time church, our generation, is described by Christ in Revelation as “lukewarm – neither hot nor cold…”. (Revelation 3:16 NIV). There is no consistency to our witness, to the way we live our lives. Our light flickers off and on, sometimes lighting the way for others, but too often leaving them stumbling in the dark.
So is there a solution for this problem? Absolutely! We need to stay connected to the Source of power, to Jesus Christ. That lamp that annoys me so much has a poor connection. It needs to have a couple wires tightened or the bulb replaced, so it can shine consistently like the others around it.
The same goes for you and I. We have to stay connected to the Source, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:2). It is only by staying connected to Him, through study of His Word and talking with Him throughout, that we consistently shine for Him, lighting the way home for others.
How about you? Is your light shining brightly consistently or does it flicker on and off, depending on your mood or circumstances? Get connected to Jesus and stay connected to Him. Then, wherever you go today, let your light shine, all the time, brightening the path for those you meet and pointing them to Jesus, the Light of the Word.