To be a real Christian VII

October 2, 7:00 AMAtlanta Protestant ExaminerRonald Thibeault

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Protestant Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

In the early 1980’s a military aircraft crashed in a bird sanctuary near the small town of Boston, Georgia. Several of us had the responsibility to secure the site to prevent people from entering the area where they were busy cleaning up the wreckage. Three other airmen and myself were required to campout at the site. About 9:00 one night, we noticed we were running low on firewood, so the sergeant and I went into the swamp to find some. I was unaware that this sergeant did not understand how to operate a Coleman lantern. The light went out. Here we were in the middle of a muddy swamp, up to our knees in muck. We were in pitch darkness except for the campfire in the distance. My mind started racing. They said there was unexploded ammunition on the plane. There were snakes and alligators around there. With each step I prayed. Finally, we made it out of there safely guiding ourselves out by the dwindling flames of our small campfire.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

A light gives us the ability to see where we are going, helps us to find direction, and prevents us from tripping and falling over stuff. A lamp illuminates our path revealing to us dangers lurking nearby. A candle provides comfort for us through the storms of life. A light scares also scares away the evil things which hide in the dark places.

Christ calls us to be light to others. Our attitude should be such that we through our daily lives shine forth as Christians. When we are walking through the valleys of darkness, we must be a light to those lost there in the murky shadows. We must illuminate the swamps of despair leading those who have been frozen by depression, fear, and hatred out into the glorious and radiant light of the Son of God. We need to be comforting those around us with a word of compassion, or encouragement bringing with us a peaceful spirit. Today, make an effort to shine a little of your light into the darkness of someone’s life. You will be glad you did.