Every disciple is called to be an exhibitionist, in the proper usage of the word. Moses instructed Aaron, the high priest, to arrange the seven lamps of the lampstand in the tabernacle so that the light shone “outward” (Numbers 8:3, Berkeley). The purpose of the lamps was to provide the light in which the priests could carry on their work.
I am sure that is what Jesus had in mind when He said, “So let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16, ASV). I am to exhibit the glory of God, and the only way I can do so is to let that glory be transmitted through me.
But light can be hidden. Jesus urged us not to put our light “under a bushel” (Matthew 5:15, KJV). My light must be exposed; it must be set free to shine in public. I must avoid a monasticism or a separationism that would keep me from the kind of contact with the world in which I confront it as light. Even my church, with its high, ornate walls and stained-glass windows, can be a smotherer of the light. The lamps must be “turned outward” so that their benefit may not be lost to those who need it most.
Light can also be extinguished. The natural enemy of light is not darkness, but water and wind, which may extinguish it. I must not “quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19), which is another way of saying that I must keep my light fed with oil; I must not let it be blown out by the winds of disobedience to God’s will, and I must not douse it with opposition and rebellion.
“Turn the lamps outward.” The gloom-filled world outside needs the light; therefore, it needs me. Not the doubting, hesitating, fearful me, but the Spirit-controlled, joyful, self-giving me. Then I shall become a child of God “without blemish” and shine as a light in a dark world (Philippians 2:15, ASV).
“Each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work” (1 Corinthians 3:13).
Daily with the King 