Lighthouses were used to warn sailors of impending danger. Before their existence, shallow water and jutting rocks caused the deaths of many an unsuspecting crew. New technology replaced the usefulness of the lighthouse, but this one stands on the Oregon Coast, a reminder of a time when the only thing between safe passage and total disaster was a functioning lighthouse with a dedicated Keeper.

A Lighthouse Keeper had to light the tower’s lamp every night, making sure it stayed lit until morning. Among many other duties, he had to maintain the lamps and polish the glass to make sure its light could be seen from as far away as possible. Lives hung in the balance.

Today, we are God’s lighthouses. He shines His light through us to warn of the danger of sin, and to bring His people around the rocky shores of life to the safety of His arms. When we’re tired or out of sorts, we can let the light falter, shutting our eyes and hearts to people around us needing our light. We can’t be perfect, nor do we need to be. We just need to allow God’s light to shine. Souls hang in the balance.