Shine Your Light

“The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.” (Proverbs 13:9).
The Amplified Bible translates today’s proverb: “The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him-it grows brighter and] rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked [furnishes only a derived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly.” It is imperative for godly men to be uncompromisingly righteous. When we begin to compromise our standards of integrity, it is the same as hiding our light under a bushel. Jesus said: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew. 5:14-16). When a godly man begins to compromise with the world, his light will grow dim. It will grow so faint that it is no longer good for the purpose in which it was intended: to shine light into the darkness. D.L. Moody said: “The Devil does not mind if a man’s heart is divided, but Christ must have it all or none.” When men look at us, what do they see? Are we a beacon on a hill-a lighthouse safely directing men to the Savior? Is our light so bleak that it barely casts a shadow on the world of darkness? Have we compromised to the point that we are no different from ungodly men? If so, then we have lost our savor, and we are good for nothing. Godly men, do not be afraid to be uncompromisingly righteous. Yes, you may lose friends or be called a fanatic, but the lost world needs to see the light of Jesus Christ in us.