When I was old enough to drive, but still living at home, my parents would leave the front porch light on at night. We lived out in the country, and there weren't any street lights, so it got dark. Leaving the light on made sure we could find the house in the dark, and that we could see to use our key to get in the house. I knew the rules when I got home late at night: I was to lock the door and, if I was the last person home, I was to turn off the porch light.

We live in a dark world. Jesus said that His disciples are the lights of the world, and as such we are to let our light shine. We are not to hide our light. We are to make it observable to everyone. We are to shine forth like a city set on a hill (Matt. 5:14-16).

"But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble" (Prov. 4:18-19). This passage contrasts the path of the just and the wicked. Like living in the country, there were no street lights in ancient times. If one walked at night, he took a lamp so he could find his way and avoid dangers along the path. The righteous choose to walk in the well-lit path. The wicked walk carelessly, and often do not see the things upon which they stumble and fall.

Christians have been called out of darkness to walk in this world as children of light (Eph. 5:8). Walking in the light not only assures us of safe passage through this world, but it also allows those who are in darkness to find their way home. We need to make sure our light is shining brightly, and keep it on, until everyone makes it home safely.

"That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15).