What do you like to do on vacation?

Our kids call it "lighthouse hopping."  It's when my wife and I visit lighthouses. For us, the more, the merrier (hence the word, "hopping"). 

One hundred ninety-eight years ago, the U.S. Congress appropriated $5,000 to build the Saint Augustine lighthouse in Jacksonville, Florida.  In1874, an updated lighthouse replaced the original—one that I recently climbed.

That lighthouse is 165 feet tall, with 219 spiral steps leading up to an observation deck 140 feet above the ground.  Though the climb will cost you a few minutes (and a few calories!), the views of Matanzas Bay and Anastasia Island make it well worth the effort

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Until 1955, a light keeper lived on the premise to guarantee the light's nighttime operation and its Fresnel lens.  Amazingly, that original lens is still in use but is now lit with electricity rather than whale oil.

The title of "light keeper" intrigues me.  That's precisely who and what we are as followers of Christ. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world."  But if it's true that He is the Light, it's equally true that you and I are called to be Light keepers.

The only question is, how well are we doing with our Light keeping?  Truthfully, there are only two answers. We can either keep the Light, or cover the Light.

• When we keep God's commandments, we keep the Light.
• When others see our good deeds and glorify our Father who is in heaven, we keep the Light. 

But I've discovered it's much easier to cover the Light than keep it.

• When we react to our spouse with grumpiness rather than graciousness, we cover the Light.
• When our choices reveal that we love ourselves more than others, we cover the Light.

Would a careful review of every word I've spoken in the last 24 hours make the Light of Jesus bright—or would it cover up His holy Light? If my thoughts could be transcribed and posted online, would they picture someone who keeps the Light or someone who covers the Light?

 "For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth)"

--Ephesians 5:7,8

Keep the Light—or cover the Light.

Every choice leads to one or the other.