How important is it to be living differently as a Christian in this world? Think about how a lighthouse helps ships to navigate the waters near rocky shores that threaten to demolish their vessel. Consider this story:
A ship’s captain looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Immediately he told his signalman to send a message: “Alter your course 10 degrees south.” Promptly he received a return message directing: “Alter your course 10 degrees north.”
The captain was angry; his command had been ignored. So he sent a second message: “Alter your course 10 degrees south–I am the captain!” Soon he received another message: “Alter your course 10 degrees north–I am seaman third class Jones.”
Immediately the captain sent a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: “Alter your course 10 degrees south–I am a battleship.” Then the reply came: “Alter your course 10 degrees north–I am a lighthouse.”
Living as a Lighthouse
Just as a lighthouse stands on its own, firm and unwavering, Christians choose to separate themselves from the chaotic currents of worldly values and pursuits. We become beacons of light, guiding lost ships to safety and providing a steady source of hope and direction.
Paul understood the importance of being a light in a world that rejects God at every turn. When he wrote his letter to the Philippians, he said:
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Philippians 2:15
Because we choose living differently, Christians shine with a distinct brilliance. Our light cuts through the darkness and offers a different perspective—a heavenly perspective. Like the lighthouse, we need to remain steadfast and unyielding to the pressures and temptations of the world. We must live rooted in our faith and conviction.
Living Differently Brings Purpose
Separating from the world allows us to embrace their true identity and purpose. We stand apart as a visible reminder of God’s presence and love to attract those searching for meaning and truth. Just as ships find support and direction in the lighthouse’s beacon, those seeking spiritual refuge find guidance in the example set by Christians living separately from the world.
Living separately from the world is not about isolation or detachment but rather about God setting you apart for a higher calling. Christians embrace this separation to cultivate a life of righteousness, compassion, and selflessness. Therefore, should strive daily to reflect Christ’s character by shining His light in a world that desperately needs it.
In summary, living differently from the rest of the world, we become a powerful lighthouse, offering a beacon of hope, a refuge from the storms of life, and a clear path toward the eternal shores of God’s kingdom.
There’s an old children’s song that says,
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…
Hide it under a bushel? NO! I’m gonna let it shine.
Are you living differently enough that the world around you can see the light of Jesus shining through you? Is the light emitting from you bright enough to guide people to safety in Jesus, or is it so dim that it leaves them in the dark to crash against the rocks? You may be the only beacon of light close enough for them to see.
Find out more about Paul’s admonition to the Church to live differently than the rest of the world by checking out this sermon page. You can access the message on YouTube, listen to an audio file, or read a transcript.
