Our Words for the Week are from Charles F. Stanley.

Our country is like a large ship fighting through stormy waters in foggy weather. Spiritually and morally, we’ve lost our sense of direction. Sexual sins, greed, pride, indulgence, slothfulness, ungratefulness, and irreverence characterize our nation. Prayer and Bible reading are no longer allowed in schools, and it’s become legal to kill unborn babies. We are on our way to becoming a pagan nation where ungodly ideas and morals are not only accepted but celebrated. Our country is on a collision course with disaster.

Amidst the darkness of our age, the church is called to be like a lighthouse. In foggy weather or on dark nights, lighthouses warn ships of danger and help guide them safely through treacherous waters. Jesus said, You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

Because you and I have the light of God’s Holy Spirit within us, we have a responsibility. We are to send out a beam of truth into the circle of our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

Stanley is the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times  best-selling author.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Train yourself to see the best in people.