Morning, September 6
Go To Evening Reading
“In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine
as lights in the world.”
Philippians 2:15
We use lights to make manifest . A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could
not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation
should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive
whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus
reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance . We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold
forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour,
and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their
Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip,
to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God’s Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. Lights are
also used for warning . On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian
men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere
in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers
of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the
name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up
the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin,
and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of
all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter,
with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should
carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.
Gracious Spirit dwell with me;
I myself would gracious be,
And with words that help and heal
Would thy life in mine reveal,
And with actions bold and meek
Would for Christ my Saviour speak.