Sunrises fascinate me, probably because I have experienced so few of them as a night owl. When I was fourteen, I set my alarm to see one. Lovely, I thought as I bolted back into bed.
I only recall setting the alarm to see a sunrise one other time. My husband and I were encouraged not to miss the sunrise at Haleakala National Park on Maui in Hawaii. So, we borrowed hotel blankets and joined hundreds of people at the chilly volcano summit, above the clouds at seven thousand feet.
The blazing orb popping over the horizon was a bit of a letdown, and most people left within five minutes. We decided to hang around and were wowed. Over the next thirty minutes, gold, lavender, and pink streaks appeared gradually. This proverb describes what we observed that day: The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
The proverb’s analogy refers to the progressive period between dawn and full daylight. Hebrew scholars believe Solomon intended to convey the concept of progression—a gradual spiritual and personal development.
Scripture teaches we should not stay the same but grow spiritually. MacLarens Expositions says, “The intention is that every Christian life should be a life of increasing luster.”
I’ve never thought of myself as giving off luster, which means sheen, glow, or radiance. I have tried the makeup that makes such claims, but I doubt I glowed.
By nature, I do not gleam with unselfishness—especially before my first cup of coffee. However, luster involves a soft light, often from a reflective surface. So perhaps through God’s enabling, I can reflect Jesus.
For me, growth would mean more kind acts. My generosity needs improvement. Better sensitive consideration of others would be good. Multiplying the times I offer to help. Being ready to lend a listening ear. Trusting Christ consistently, hoping my peace and joy draw others to Him.
Is your light ever-increasing? Have you grown spiritually since last year at this time? What can you do to increase your glow for Christ toward others?
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
A Wisconsin native, Lauri Lemke Thompson enjoys living with her husband in the lovely Ozark mountains in Branson, Missouri. She is active in the Ozarks Chapter of the American Christian Writers and Christian Women’s Connection and volunteers for the local hospital. She authored a book called Hitting Pause, a collection of her articles and devotions. Her articles also appear in the Branson Tri-Lakes News.