Spurgeon: September AM
* 09/06/AM
"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.