"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye
shine as lights in the world."
-- Philippians 2:15

We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his
life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the
gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him
should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see
the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended
for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We
are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to
the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes
read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready,
like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God's Word, the
way of salvation, and the life of godliness.

Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure
to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown
everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The
wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under
the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up
the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and
tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men,
shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering
influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter,
with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry
sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.