Old World travelers navigated the vast oceans using landmarks as their guides. Traveling by night was especially dangerous and often required the setting of bonfires or a tripod containing a metal basket with a fire on high-points to signal travelers safely in and away from danger. With an increase in trade it became necessary to construct more permanent structures called lighthouses. The earliest recorded lighthouse in history is the Pharos of Alexandria in Egypt. When lighthouses were built they were built to fit their geographic and climatic surroundings. Every lighthouse is unique. Although technology advances have made the use of lighthouses almost obsolete, they serve as a reminder of a time where mariners relied on them to guide them safely day or night. (Lighthouse History, The United States Lighthouse Society.)
You can say that we too are like the unique beacons of light that mark much of our coast lines. The light we reflect isn't one that can be replaced by the things of this world. We know this to be the Light of Christ of which every living soul has been blessed with.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14
Like the lighthouses that stand on rocky shores or are set upon other lofty heights, they are not meant to be hid from the world. The light that we have is also not meant to be hid. We can be the guiding light of salvation by sharing that light with others, and they will seek to know the source of that light.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
It is through our works that others can come to glorify God. This of course is no small task. Discipleship is something that is a part of every facet of our lives. There is something majestic that takes place in us when the Light of Christ is ingrained in us. God will take us and make us into more than we could have ever been.
"...[B]e thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
I believe we can take that scripture a little further and also include being an example to non-believers. President Thomas S. Monson shared "...Our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances or total strangers." (Thomas S. Monson, 2015. Be an Example and a Light.)
We are all sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who has placed us in this life to grow and learn. The path was never meant to be easy and we will surely experience moments of tribulation. We cannot complete the journey ahead without the assistance of our Savior. Sometimes that assistance will be through another person. Too often others may feel that they are not responsible for the welfare of others. In the Bible we learn of Cain and Abel, and the tragic story in which one seeks their own without the regard of their brother. When Cain was questioned by the Lord about the whereabouts of Abel, he answered, "Am I my brother's keeper?" President Monson counsels that the answer to this is a resounding YES.
When we selfishly hide our lights from our brothers and sisters, we put our own light in jeopardy. With every choice to seek only our own, we restrict the flame of the Light of Christ in our hearts and over time that light can dim or even become extinguished. If you feel your light has been dimmed by past mistakes, resolve to do better today. Through the redeeming power of Christ we can again restore that light in our own lives and in turn be better qualified to be that beacon of light to guide others safely home.
Brightly beams our Father's mercy,
From his lighthouse evermore,
But to us he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.
Dark the night of sin has settled;
Loud the angry billows roar.
Eager eyes are watching, longing,
For the lights along the shore.
Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;
Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost.
Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.
(Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy, Hymn #335)
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