NIGHT LIGHTS SHINE
THE BRIGHTEST
What are the greatest light in your house? Are they the 500 watt halogen babies that light up your front and backyards--you know, the ones that are often mistaken for an airstrip by passing planes? Is it the elegant chandelier in your stately dining room? Maybe it's the lava lamp you hide in the den-- a relic from a different time in your life.
When you think about it, the most important lights aren't the ones that have center stage in your home, nor are they the ones that garner the most attention when they're on. The only time you would even notice these lights would be when they're not there. To me the most important light, with the exception of the one in the refrigerator, is the night light in the upstairs hall. Why? Because it helps me navigate around the car and toy land mines that sometimes lie in wait between our bedroom and my urgent late night pit stops.
Rick Warren, in his book "The Purpose Driven Church" uses this same analogy of the small, but more useful lights in the home to make the point that "small ministries often make the greatest difference." In the Church, there are many 500 watt halogens like Chuck Swindoll, Chuck Colson, Chuck Smith, (is anyone noticing a trend here?). I, for one, am thankful for their contribution to the cause of Christ. But, in the big picture context of the Church, I think these men would all agree with me that it is the local pastor, the faithful Sunday School teacher, the army of humble servants in the small churches that have an even greater impact. It is the steadfast night lights of the faith that keep the Church from stubbing its toe.
This past weekend, the greatest night light that I have ever had the privilege of knowing and loving was honored. Nelson Deuitch was surprised Saturday night by a celebration of twenty-five years of ministry with Ontario Christian Seminary, my old alma mater. Nelson has taught and been the Academic Dean there for all these years. He has sacrificed much to be part of a very small school, a school that has often been on the brink of closure, but by the grace of God has always managed to stay open.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend this celebration, but I was able to send a message to be read at the party. Here's an excerpt:
"Nelson, I want you to know that the greatest things I learned from you were not taught out of text books and class notes, they were taught by your example. You've had a tremendous influence on my life as you modeled for me the reality of the Christian Faith. You've done it through sharing your love, your concern, your life. Nelson, you have a humble servant's heart! You're the genuine article, the real thing. You have an innocence and an integrity that are both rare and beautiful. I only hope that I can influence those around me half as much as you've influenced me. In other words, if I ever grow up, I want to be just like you, because it's so very clear that you're living to be just like Christ."
So what do we learn about night
lights and the Kingdom?
Small does not equal insignificant. You may not be a writer or a world-famous preacher or teacher, but you can change lives all around this world by consistently shining your light. Nelson has touched lives in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, the US, Africa, Korea and who knows where else. How many lives have been touched through those he has influence in the past twenty-five years? The number is Abrahamic in stature!
The Kingdom needs night lights. It's great to have the ministries of the giants of the faith like Billy Graham, but without the small, local, personal, roll up your sleeves and get involved kind of night light ministries that make up the majority of the Body, the giants wouldn't be half as effective.
Finally, don't look for the limelight, serve where you are! Often we think that where we are is only a stepping stone to something bigger and better down the road, but that's crazy! Bigger isn't necessarily better and no place is a stepping stone if you have your head on straight. Where you are today is the place you can be used to touch lives for eternity, and you may be there for five years, or twenty-five. You may move into a ministry that has a bigger budget, and a better facility, but you won't have any more influence. In fact your influence might lessen because your ability to get involved in individual lives might be hampered by the demands of a bigger ministry. The amazing thing about serving the Lord is that we're only called to be faithful. Faithful to live lives of humble service, obedience, and integrity. As long as we're doing that, the Lord will use our efforts in a mighty way. Nelson you're the brightest night light I've ever known, thank for saving me from all those stubbed toes!
