Morning, September 6, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” — Philippians 2:15

We use lights to illuminate and reveal. A Christian should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His manner of life should be such that all who are around him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and they 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 Savior, and the weary to a divine place of rest. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct any who inquire 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 lighthouse is sure to be erected. Christians should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. Satan’s destructive servants are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they raise the wrong light, so we must be ones 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 spread happiness around him.

Gracious Spirit dwell with me;

I myself would gracious be,

And with words that help and heal

Would your life in mine reveal,

And with actions bold and meek

Would for Christ my Savior speak.