Do you ever think about lightbulbs? They play a significant role in our daily lives, and yet they’re such a dependent object. Pick up a lightbulb by itself — what is it? A glass bulb with some filament in it, designed in such a way as to conduct electricity and produce light.
But what makes the lightbulb really so special? Unless it is plugged in to a consistent energy source, that lightbulb is worthless. You can hang it from the ceiling, but the room will stay dark. You can rub it in your hands and wish for light, but no light will appear. You can even hang it above your head, but regardless of pop media, it won’t create an idea!
Without a source of energy, a lightbulb is worthless. But, screw it in and something amazing happens: light radiates out of the lightbulb, affecting the entire area around it! And only with that constant energy source does the light stay lit.
Just like a lightbulb, we as people aren’t anything special on our own. It takes the light of the Holy Spirit flowing through us to create beauty.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
(John 9:5)
There is nothing special about me. There is nothing good about Leslie.
Sometimes people look at my life and want to commend me for something. Whether it be for school accomplishment, commitment to Christ, or dedication at work, people sometimes look at my life and say, “Hey, that’s cool” or “you’re such a nice person,” but there is nothing good or nice or special about me.
Anything good or commendable in my life is nothing short of the work that Jesus Christ has done in me. All goodness is just a glimpse of who God is. I can tend to get puffed up about myself, thinking about how awesome I am, but then God uses my brokenness to remind me of who I really am. I’m nothing apart from Him.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
I challenge you to look at the verse above and see how it applies to your life. Do you believe that you can honestly look at that and say that you have all of the fruit of the Spirit shining in your life? Go through and put your name before each attribute:
(Leslie is love . . . Leslie is Joy . . . Leslie is Peace . . .)
I know that I sure don’t measure up — but the beauty of the matter is that Christ does! Where we fail, He fills. If we stay plugged in to Him, He will shine in our lives and hopefully people will see Him when they look at us.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:14-16)
Amen. Without Him I am noting.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Fantastic post!
Will you permit me to extend the metaphor a bit? Well, you’re not breaking into my screen as I type this to say NO, so I’ll accept that as tacit permission.
The other interesting thing about a lightbulb is that it’s empty. Totally empty. (Which is kinda what Leona just said in the comment before mine.) Edison needed to figure out how to get something to radiate light, that is, something that would light on fire and burn to a crisp if it was out in the open atmosphere. But with all the oxygen almost completely removed from the bulb, in the vacuum, the substance radiates light, but doesn’t burn up.
Likewise, we get in the way of ourselves. If we’re going to radiate Jesus, we need to be empty bulbs.
The God who creates out of nothing can do amazing things with us when we have nothing to offer. When we think we have something, there’s usually something in the way.
Very insightful, Leslie! I think the most important thing people forget is that we have to use our free agency to open up the amazing possibilities. I’m glad you included that with the line: “If we stay plugged in to Him…” I love how you worded that! Thank you to you and your mom for your examples, insights and sharing them with all of us!
To be so young and inspiring. Excellent post and thoughts! Just wonderful! Thank you!