What Wattage Are You?

July 29, 2008

By Paul Veliquette

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV).

From time to time when driving late at night, it can be very difficult to see the road. This happens often with summer rains. I run the wipers, and it makes no difference. The problem is that the headlights have become covered with a layer of mud and debris blocking the light to the road ahead. But that mud builds up slowly. The light dims subtly and over a long period of time.

Life is like that. Sometimes the intensity of our light — our public example of Christlike living — dims as the mundane things of life cover up our walk of faith. Perhaps it is time for a good washing!

As you consider the implications of the statement Jesus made, think about the following questions.

1. What level of personal responsibility do I sense for my own life being a light to others?

2. If I were a lightbulb, how would I rate my “wattage” — 25, 75 100, 200?

3. What can I do to increase my brightness? What steps do I need to take this week?

4. What kinds of things do I do that “hide” my life example?

5. Who in my life right now needs light? (Focus on one, not the multitudes.)

Remember, Jesus left us here to complete the work of spreading the good news of the gospel. Don’t be overly concerned with some style of sharing, or “training” in order to share your faith with others. Just be yourself and tell your story.

— Paul Veliquette is pastor of Windsor (Colo.) Assembly of God.