p. 329 | LIGHT IN THE WORLD

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 22, 1880

LIGHT IN THE WORLD.

WHEN a man carries a light in the darkness, we see the light but do not see the man; or if we see the man it is because the light is dim, or because he stands before it and hides it. The people of God are to be light-bearers in the world. It is their special work to hold forth the word of life and to let their light shine. Their work is not to reveal themselves but to reveal the light; not to show who they are, or what they are, but to hold the light up that others may see the path in which they should go. He who exhibits himself as well as the light, who makes the light a means of showing what he is or what he has done, has entirely mistaken his calling as a bearer of celestial light in a dark and dreary world. On the other hand, he who holds forth the word of life, and standing behind the light so bears it up that men may see it, wins the Master's approval, and blesses and benefits the world. In this crooked and perverse nation Christians are to shine as lights. Their lamps are to be trimmed and burning as they go to meet the Bridegroom when he comes; and they are to "walk as children of the light" so that their light shall not mislead those who may chance to follow it. He who follows Christ shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life; and that light reflected by him and flowing through him, shall bless the world and bring men to see the brightness of the Saviour's face.—Christian.