What practical steps can we take to reflect Christ's light in our lives? Turning to See the Lampstands “Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me, and having turned I saw seven golden lampstands.” (Revelation 1:12) John’s first act was to turn. Our first step is the same—turning our attention toward Christ so His light can reach and transform us. What the Lampstands Tell Us • Made of gold—pure, valuable, intentionally crafted. • Positioned to hold light high. • Fed by oil, kept burning through continual care (cf. Exodus 27:20). In Revelation, these lampstands picture local churches (Revelation 1:20) and, by extension, every believer. We are designed to shine, not smolder. Practical Steps That Keep the Flame Bright • Keep the wick trimmed: consistent repentance – “If we walk in the light as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) – Daily confess known sin, allowing God to remove the smoky build-up that dims our witness. • Refill the oil: rely on the Spirit – “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) – Begin each day asking the Spirit to govern attitudes, words, and choices; remain sensitive to His prompting throughout the day. • Clean the globe: saturate life with God’s Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Read, meditate, and apply Scripture so grime (false ideas, worldly habits) doesn’t cloud the glow. • Place the lamp where it can be seen: intentional witness – “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:14-16) – Look for natural openings to speak of Christ; display His character in everyday interactions—home, workplace, neighborhood. • Guard the flame together: cultivate fellowship – “In which you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15) – Meet regularly with believers for encouragement, correction, and shared mission; a cluster of lamps pierces darkness farther than one alone. • Stay facing the Light: continual focus on Jesus – “I am the light of the world… whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness.” (John 8:12) – Start and end each day fixing your thoughts on Christ’s person, promises, and soon return (Revelation 22:20). The Result: Radiant Reflection As we trim the wick, refill the oil, and keep our eyes on Jesus, His glory is increasingly mirrored in us: “We… reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18) Darkness around us may deepen, yet a well-tended lampstand only makes the brilliance of Christ more unmistakable. |
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