A lighthouse, not a spotlight

I have been watching, wondering, and waiting for the world to change into something I recognize. In doing so, I have concluded this will not happen.

Honestly, I do not believe it should.

This is a new day and time, and people have new ideas and passions that drive them forward. Many of these are things I have never seen or considered, yet here they are being lived out right in front of me.

What will I do with the time I have left to influence those I encounter?

Am I going to rail against everything I see and hear? If so, by what authority do I do so? Is it moral authority because I am a Christ Follower, and the Word of God is the measure by which I live my life?

As I contemplate these issues and questions, I have been compelled to consider, as a believer in Jesus, I am called to be “a lighthouse, not a spotlight.” There is a profound difference.

A lighthouse keeps ships from the impending dangers the inlet they are approaching holds, while a spotlight shines directly at the ship, not at the imminent threat ahead.  

I realized this during my prayer time as the Lord reminded me that John 3:16 is the most familiar passage of scripture to the world. You see, at sporting events, people write it on signs and banners. Interestingly, you never see John 3:17 anywhere.

John 3:17 says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save it through Him.”

We must remember this when considering the spotlight approach many in the Church are taking today.

This passage reminds me and other Christ Followers that if Jesus did not come to condemn the world, neither should we.

We are called to be “a lighthouse, not a spotlight.” We are to point the way to Jesus by sharing His love, not shining the spotlight on them to point out the error of their ways. Does this mean we are to be accepting of everything going on in our world? No, it simply means we are to use the same compassion God showed when He sent Jesus to give His life for us all.

In closing, I will ask if you consider yourself “a lighthouse or a spotlight.” Maybe a better question would be what someone else would say you are to them.

The beauty of a lighthouse is that it does not discriminate between one vessel and another. It is simply there to shine its light for everyone.

Ironically, even in the worst storms, the lighthouse does not shine its light on the ship. It still points the way to safety.

I hope that if I start seeing the world with a John 3:17 mindset, I can put down my spotlight long enough for my lighthouse to help someone else find their way to Jesus!

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”