“From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Influence of a… ” 

 

Recently, I became a lighthouse… Before you think I’ve lost my mind, maybe I should explain.

The Lighthouse Movement is a coalition of Christians representing churches around the world. Our goal is to pray for and care for our neighbors looking for opportunities to sensitively share our beliefs. Dr. Reccord writes, “I am convinced that if we Christians can mobilize and equip our people to get out of the church walls and into their neighborhoods, schools and offices and establish Lighthouses for their neighbors, we can witness an amazing movement of God…”

Jesus said to the people: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12) In other words, we are called to be lighthouses while remembering that Jesus is the source of all light.

It’s such a simple idea: Choose three to four people in your neighborhood, school or workplace.

1.      Prayer: Pray for them regularly by name and ask God to use you as an influence.

2.      Care: Look for opportunities to demonstrate God’s love with simple acts of caring.

3.      Share: At this point, trust God to provide an opportunity to share your faith.

Just before facing the cross, Jesus said to his disciples: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit.” (John 15:5) In other words, “Jesus is the light; we are simply the lighthouse.”

After hearing this, I wondered: “Who has been a lighthouse for me? Who influenced you? Sometimes we overlook the obvious. The influence of those we see on a regular basis.”

Of course, it begins with family. Mell, my wife loves me even when I’m not always loveable. As a gifted schoolteacher, she manages to subtly offer Godly influence to her first graders. Stephen and Lisa, my children, allowed me to learn and grow on the job as dad. My sister and parents provided an atmosphere of love and support. What about you? How has family influenced you?

“Come, people of Israel, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” (Isaiah 2:5)

There are lighthouses who appear suddenly and burn brightest when you need them most. What would we do without them? Who were the lighthouses that burned for you? For me there was…

U        A boss who believed in me and taught the meaning of, “you can do anything if you try.”

U        An author and motivational speaker who strengthened my commitment to serving Christ.

U        An unknown missionary who warned me: “Larry, keep your nose buried in God’s Word.”

U        An elderly lady who opened her home and heart while I was a struggling seminary student.

U        A neighbor who stayed awake all night and helped me through a devastating divorce.

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all.” (Mat. 5:14)

For eighty years, Pearl Gough was a lighthouse for all to see. Confined to a motorized wheel chair for the past several years, she refused to slow down. Every day you might see her either out among her flowers or wheeling down a steep driveway at breakneck speed to retrieve the mail. Today, Pearl will be buried before her nine children, twenty-six grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, neighbors and friends who were all inspired by her dazzling light.

Truthfully, we've always been lighthouses... the only question is: "How bright is your light?"

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For more information on the Lighthouse Movement. Click here: Lighthouse. 

Truthfully, we’ve always been lighthouses… the only question is: “How bright is your light?”