In what ways can we ensure our "lamps" remain lit in our lives? The Call to Keep Our Lamps Burning “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35) Jesus pictures every believer as a servant prepared for His return, lamp in hand, flame alive and bright. A lit lamp announces both readiness and witness—readiness for the Master’s arrival and witness to a watching world. Understanding the Lamp and Oil • Lamp — the outward testimony of a life surrendered to Christ (Matthew 5:14–16). • Oil — the inward supply of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:1–6). Without oil the lamp is useless; without a lamp, the oil’s glow is hidden. Practical Ways to Keep the Flame Bright • Daily intake of Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Read, meditate, and obey; the Word feeds the flame. • Ongoing reliance on the Spirit – “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) – Invite His moment-by-moment control, allowing fresh “oil” to flow. • Persistent prayer – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – Prayer ventilates the soul, giving the flame oxygen. • Active obedience and service – “Let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:16) – Every act of obedience adds fuel; every act of service lifts the lamp higher. • Regular fellowship – “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) – Sparks from other believers reignite embers that might be fading. Guarding Against Flame-Dimming Influences • Unconfessed sin—confess quickly (1 John 1:9). • Worldly distractions—set affections above (Colossians 3:1–2). • Spiritual sloth—“Do not be slothful in zeal; be fervent in spirit.” (Romans 12:11). • Neglect of gathering—absence from the body cools the fire (Hebrews 10:25). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Parable of the Ten Virgins: preparedness includes extra oil (Matthew 25:1-13). • Proverbs 6:23: “For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light.” • Philippians 2:15: “Shine as lights in the world.” • Revelation 2:5: remember, repent, return—so the lampstand is not removed. Living as Lights Until He Comes Hold the lamp high, hearts trimmed with truth, reservoirs filled with the Spirit. In faithful watchfulness, the flame not only guides our own steps but also draws others to the One who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) |
    |