The experience of learning spiritual truth often involves an examination of different passages of Scripture. I’ve been thinking of the words of Jesus and Paul and contrasting and comparing the meaning of these verses.

The first passage comes from Matthew where Jesus says: “You are the light of the world . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).”

The second passage comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world by holding on to the word of life . . .(2:14-16).”

The subject of “light” and its impact and influence on society is a theme of both verses. After reading them, a question came to my mind: Am I a lighthouse or a mirage?

One provides direction in times of darkness, and safety in the face of danger. The other offers false hope to those who are dying of thirst. A lighthouse or a mirage, which are you?