Dusty lamp in the old Antique Shop?

This week we were looking at Acts 2 at church... Pentecost; an incredible event when God sent his Spirit among his people and empowered them for mission! The disciples had waited in Jerusalem for the arrival of God's Spirit... the Spirit was going to fuel them for ministry; he would be the power through which God would use them to minister to the world.

The Spirit was the fuel that set their lamps aflame.

So often as christians we can be like dusty lamps in an old antique shop. We sit in the shop gathering dust, something of our beauty can be seen, but we do not burn bright, because we do not allow Gods living Spirit to light us up. We long to be lit, but we lack the power to light ourselves. We might even be plugged in, but if we arent switched on, we won't light up.

How often we try to do things in our own strength: rely on our own intelligence, wisdom, energy. How much more effective would we be as witnesses for Christ if we would let his light burn bright within us.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16