What the Lamp of the Word Does to a Dark World
How The Westminster Shorter Catechism Changes Your Life
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
Q2: What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?
A: The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
Lamps are useful in the dark. They help you find your way and show you the path you need to go. This is what God’s Word does for us in a spiritually darkened world. In darkness, people don’t know how to live. Every day we are immersed by words and ways of life that are contrary to God’s Word and God’s ways. Through advertising, social media, news outlets, and casual conversations, we are being “catechized” by the world whether we realize it or not. What we need is the Lamp of God’s Word. The Bible shows us how to glorify and enjoy God. It not only shows us how but it is sufficient in showing us how (2 Pt. 1:3). As John Frame says, “Scripture contains all the divine words needed for any aspect of human life.” Nothing else shines light into this world like the Word.
Lamps can also show you potential dangers in the dark. In our world, the dangers of sin, Satan, and death lurk about. False teaching, temptations to sin, temptations to doubt God’s grace in Christ, and the effects of death in body and soul. These are exposed when the Word shines. The Christian life is a battle. When you joined the kingdom of heaven, you became a warrior. This is maybe the most neglected aspect of the Christian life today! We still too often think life in this world should be comfortable. God’s Word shows us the dangers that surround us and that seek to lead us astray.
Lamps can also remind you that you are not alone. In the darkness, you can be tempted to think that you are in this Christian life alone. That’s exactly what Satan wants you to think! It is a form of pride to think the following: “No one else has to fight the temptations that I have to. No one else has sinned like I have. No one else is going through this season of suffering like I am.” Satan and our sinful nature seek to isolate us from others. The Word of God shows us that there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:9). Dear believer, you do not walk this path alone. Not only are other believers walking the same path with the same struggles but also Jesus Christ has walked this path! He walked this path when no one else could. He, the Light of the world (Jn. 8:12), is not only who shows us the path but He is the path. He not only is the path but He enables us to walk the path. It is by His grace that He brings you into the Christian life and by His grace that He keeps you in the Christian life. This grace is given to you by means of His Word. Read it! And remember: It is best read with others!