Article by Guest Writer Lauri Lemke Thompson
“The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” (Proverbs 4:18, The Message).
By Lauri Lemke Thompson
Sunrises fascinate me, probably because as a night owl I have experienced so few of them. When I was 14, I set my alarm just so I could see one. Lovely, I thought, as I bolted back into bed.
I only recall setting an alarm with the purpose of seeing a sunrise one other time. It was recommended to my husband and myself that we not miss sunrise at Haleakala National Park on Maui in Hawaii. We borrowed hotel blankets and joined hundreds of people at the chilly volcano summit, above the clouds at 7,000 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 wow. Gold, lavender, and pink streaks appeared gradually over the next half hour.
The Proverbs verse in Today’s Living Bible describes what we observed that day: “The dawn gives way to morning splendor.”
The analogy in Proverbs 4:18 refers to the period between dawn and full daylight (which other Bible versions mention specifically). Hebrew scholars conclude that Solomon’s intent here was to convey the concept of progression, i.e. a gradual spiritual and personal development.
Scripture often teaches that we are not to stay the same, but to grow. “The intention is that every Christian life should be a life of increasing luster,” MacLarens Expositions says about this verse.
Luster — what a word. I’ve never thought of myself as giving off luster, which means sheen, glow, or radiance. (I have tried the face 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 off a reflective surface. So perhaps through God’s enabling, I can reflect Jesus.
What would growth look like? For me, I could do more kind acts. My generosity ought to improve. 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 in hopes that my peace and joy draw people to Christ.
Is your “light” ever-increasing? Have you grown since last year at this time? What will your answer be to that question one year from now?
Bio of Lauri Lemke Thompson
A Wisconsin native, Lauri Lemke Thompson appreciates 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 (an outreach ministry of Stonecroft), plus volunteering for the local hospital. She published a book called Hitting Pause, a collection of her articles and devotions; her articles also appear in the Branson Globe.
