An undimmed flame is not dull, faint, gloomy or blurred; it is bright! “Their light burned with undimmed flame through the night of watching. It helped to swell the illumination for the bridegroom’s honor. Shining out in the darkness, it helped to illuminate the way to the home of the bridegroom, to the marriage feast.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 414.
We are in that night of watching! What is that light burning with undimmed flame? What is that light that is shining on the path of many people, directing their eyes heavenward? It is God’s character shining forth through us! This is that “undimmed flame … shining out in the darkness.” This is God’s character, His thoughts and feelings, shining through us. We are told that the “thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 310. This is that undimmed flame!
“So the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit,
- God’s word is a light
- as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 414.
As God’s word becomes a transforming power in our lives, it becomes that light shining forth into the darkness! “By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God.
- The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in His followers.
- Thus they are to glorify God,
- to lighten the path to the Bridegroom’s home,
- to the city of God,
- to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Ibid.
Is your light burning with undimmed flame, lighting the path to the city of God? Has the light of God’s word become a transforming power in your life? Remember: “Through the Holy Spirit, God’s word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver.” Ibid. [Emphasis supplied.] Are you transformed?
The foolish virgins had light from God’s word, but had not the transforming power in their life. “We cannot keep Christ apart from our lives here, and yet be fitted for His companionship in heaven.” Ibid. Do you belong to Christ or the world? Do you shine or are you beclouded?
To His people God says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1, 2).
Father: Let the Holy Spirit transform my life that I may shine forth. May the Holy Spirit, through Your Word, develop in me Your attributes. I do not want to end up a foolish virgin. Let the light of Thy character shine through me. Amen.