Years ago, I was given an oil painting that depicts a lighthouse. It is something that I treasure, and I hung it in a conspicuous place next to the back door, as it reminds me that the Scriptures are like a lighthouse to guide our lives and that God calls us to be lighthouses in this world for Him, not hiding our light under a bushel, but letting it shine forth for all to see. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Recently, I had a small room added onto my home. In the process, I had the original back door, which now became the door to the new room, cut in half to make a Dutch door. The top of the Dutch door swings very neatly back against the wall of the room adjoining the addition. And what was behind that door? My lighthouse picture!

At first, I thought that it would work out, as when the top of the door was closed, the painting was visible. However, after a few weeks, I realized that the top part of the door was almost never closed. Therefore, the painting was hidden from view the majority of the time. I thus decided that it was time to make a move. The lighthouse painting was moved out from behind the door and is once again in a conspicuous place for all to view and enjoy.

Likewise, as God's lighthouses in this world, sometimes we, too, need to assess our situation and be ready to make a move: a move in the way that we think or act.

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

The purpose of a lighthouse is to allow others to see clearly where they are going, so that they may not run into danger, be hurt, or even perish.

But, as God's lights here on earth, if we are not constantly praying and striving for a renewal of our minds and of the way that we think, we can very easily find our light hidden behind the door or the patterns of this world.

Those patterns demand us to be politically correct, to keep our mouths shut about our faith and the truths that it is based upon, to go along with the flow, and not to make waves about issues that compromise our morality or God's truth. When we fall into the world's patterns, often out of fear or not spending enough time in prayer discerning God's good and perfect will within a given situation, our light becomes hidden. A door of darkness closes over our witness for Christ.

Being different and being a light in the darkness is not always easy or comfortable. Sometimes, it has consequences that we don't like or want. We may lose friends or jobs or even end up having to move. Yet, when we do move out from behind the patterns of this world into the renewal of a mind that is moving according to God's will, we discover an even greater light: the light of God's pleasure, purpose, and protection that opens up new and better ways, more than we could ever imagine for our life and for the lives of others.

Prayer: Father, thank You that through the power of Your Spirit, we can be renewing our minds daily that they may line up with Your good and perfect will. Remind us, as we need it, to move in this direction, so that we may not conform to the patterns of this world but shine brightly for You amidst the darkness. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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