The Lamp
No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him. Luke 8:16-18
If you crash before you get home, you won't get home. It doesn't matter how far you went from where you started.
It doesn’t matter how brightly the lighthouse was shining when it was lit, it matter that it is still shining when a boat needs it. God wants you to keep shining your light on the lampstand so that others may see your good works and glorify God. having a lamp is connected with using the lamp. If you have a lamp but don’t use it to light your house, which will shine out to your neighborhood, you might as well not have the lamp in the first place. The man who tapes his eyes closed and walks around refusing to open them is no better off than a blind man. It doesn’t matter how long you walked around without your eyes shut. If you refuse to open your eyes, you are going to get hurt.If you crash before you get to your destination, it doesn’t matter how far along you were, you still are hurt.
The greatest test of character is how you behave when you don't know what to do and no one is watching.
The lamps you have been given are not just to benefit and serve others. The lamps you have are intended to bring light to your own house as well. Refusing to turn on the lights when you don’t have visitors over is a poor way to live your life. You need light in your life even when your friends are not around. Your character is built in the light as you clean what is out of place in your house. Good character will be shown when you invite others into your house and when the Master of all houses comes in, but it must be developed while you are in your house alone.
You have no control over when your clock strikes done, so you must be always ready.
If the tenant knew when the Landlord was coming, he would have tidied up and set the house in order (Matthew 24:43). You don’t know when the owner of your house is coming, so you must work diligently to keep the dust from settling and to put misplaced items in their proper spot. It not only makes your house better for visitors, it makes your house better for you.
Is how you're living your life show you're ready?
As you set your lamp on its lampstand, it gives you the opportunity to examine your life. If you don’t like how things are working in your life, you have the ability and responsibility to adjust your life. Throw out the old rusty silverware, take out the trash, install a new sink, or bring in a new couch. Many things are possible to improve your life, but it takes intentionality to decide you want your life to be in order.