Many comparisons can be made between lighthouses and their function, and our spiritual lives. I invite you to think about another analogy.

Although most lighthouses now are electrified, lights of old were usually oil lamps set inside the jewel, which then magnified and reflected the flame. A variety of causes could dim the light. The oil lamp would build up a layer of soot and smoke from the inside. The windows could be dirtied with bird droppings and salt-water corrosion on the outside. The keeper gave his attention to keeping the jewel polished and the windows clean and clear.

The Holy Spirit, our “lighthouse keeper”, does the same for us by bringing God’s word to our remembrance. Sin, or darkness, can dim and even put out our light. 1 John 1:5 says, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

Our lights will be dimmed with corrosion if we fail to study God’s word—if we are inattentive or slothful about learning His will. Prayer and fellowship with other believers will help to keep our lights clean and polished. Look out for the soot and smoke of unbelief, pride, idolatry, discouragement, discontent. Unforgiveness will bring on total darkness. The Bible says that if we don’t forgive those who offend us, God cannot forgive us our sins. We will be eternally dirty!

The Psalmist prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Ps. 51:10, 2, 7.)

Jesus words to us are, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:16
So be a lighthouse on this earth!