What To Do With Old Light Bulbs

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

Have you ever noticed that lightbulbs will burn until they suddenly go out? How bright they burn depends upon their wattage. Higher wattage typically means more light output. For example, a 60-watt incandescent bulb will generally be brighter than a 40-watt bulb. When the filament in the bulb eventually fails, the light will not work anymore. 

I could take this analogy further, but I won't. As Christians, our charge is to be lights in a sinful world. Our physical age should not be the determining factor of our utility or value in the Body of Christ. Unfortunately, at least in the American Christian Culture, when the light bulb is about 55 years old, they are replaced with "younger/newer" bulbs.  

Since I have broken the 55 year old barrier - 20 years ago actually - I have become more aware of how older bulbs are culled out of the active herd and sent out to pasture to live the remainder of their lives out in fellowship with the other "old bulbs".  I have been looking hard to find that mandate in the Bible and have been largely unsuccessful. 

I think about the untapped cumulative wisdom that is represented by those older bulbs. Recently, I overheard a comment by one of the older bulbs describing the 2 worship services at the church we attend. "The older people attend the first service and most of the younger people attend the second service. The biggest distinction between the services, besides age, was the style of music. The Sermon is the same. In my view subdividing the congregation by age and music style is probably not a good thing. And sadly I think it is the "old bulbs" fault for going along with it.  It should be the Spirit of God and not the spirit of the music and the age of the person sitting next to me in the pew that we focus on. But we do.

My encouragement ..... Don't let your light be put under a basket - and don't put the basket over your head yourself - let it shine!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone