Cheap Lightbulbs - May 8,
2001
I'll confess it, I'm a bargain hunter. When we met, I
considered myself conservative and Pam called me a
cheapskate! I've loosened up a bit over the years, but my
thriftiness has come in handy over the last year while
we've been unable to work. It was no surprise the other
day while shopping for some household items when I found
myself comparing prices in the lightbulb aisle. There on
a big yellow sign were two of my favorite words ...
CLEARANCE SALE! I picked up a package of lightbulbs and
started to read. They were long-life beauties that lasted
5000 hours instead of the usual 1000 on sale for the same
price as the regular ones! I felt my heart begin to race
with the sheer exhilaration of this super bargain. I
could picture myself going years without having to change
another lightbulb. But as I read on I started to get a
little concerned. You see, in order to make them last so
long, they didn't burn as bright as regular bulbs. If
fact, the 60 watt version provided barely more light than
a regular 40 watt bulb. Now the picture in my mind
changed. I could see myself living in a dim, dreary
world, straining to read by the oppressive glow from
these wimpy bulbs. Oh, the despair...
Then I thought ... how many Christians live a long
life yet never shine brightly enough to do God much good?
He wants us to shine his love into the dark corners of
the world, but some of us barely give off enough light to
shine past our own doorway. I would say that almost
everyone wants to live a long, happy life here on this
earth, but if I had to choose, I would rather shine out
brightly for God even if my life burns out a little
sooner. All of us will one day reach our last day here,
but how much better to end this life knowing God has used
you up in His service, not that you've just worn out over
time.
Today I challenge you to dig deeper into God and let
His light shine brightly through you. You can be the
light He uses to bring his lost children, wandering
hopeless in this dark world, home to Him. God is always
looking for a few good lightbulbs!
