Which Is the Real Lighthouse?

We spent a lovely week in Maine last week and one of the highlights was a “Puffin and Lighthouse” boat trip. As we motored among the many islands in the Acadia region, we saw seals and puffins (my first time seeing them! So fun!) and several lighthouses.

As the fog surrounded us on the ocean that morning, it was easy to see why lighthouses were desperately needed back in the day. They warned of shoals and rocks and kept sailors from shipwreck.

As we were shown some of the different lighthouses in the area, we noticed that quite a few weren’t all that tall. Many were shorter but still gave that needed warning to the ships coming through to the harbor.

As we looked all around us, the tour guide pointed out one lighthouse that actually wasn’t a lighthouse. Someone had built a lighthouse replica as they constructed their new home but it was fake and served no purpose at all.

If you look above, you will see a photo of that lighthouse beside a photo of an actual lighthouse. Can you tell which one is the real lighthouse? (I’ll let you know at the end of the post)

That false lighthouse was a vivid reminder to me that not everything is what it seems. Some things are fake. They are not what they appear to be.

We live in an unprecedented era of this very thing, don’t we? AI has taken deception to a whole new level.

This is especially dangerous when it comes to our spiritual health. If we follow a false teacher, they will lead us down a wrong path.

Jesus warns us that these false teachers won’t look outright false—

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

He also gives us a clue how we can know the difference—

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:16-20)

By their fruits. That is how we know if someone is genuine. That is why it is so important to watch someone you admire. What is their attitude about the Word of God? Where are they pointing their followers? Who are they quoting? Who do they admire? Who are their friends? What is important to them?

Answering these questions will help us to discern the fruit of their lives.

Anyone can look like a lighthouse. Jesus tells us how to discern if someone is really a lighthouse of Gospel Truth.

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In the bright sunlight, it would really be impossible to tell which lighthouse is real. But when the fog rolls in or night comes, it is then that the difference is shown in all its glory. One lighthouse will shine and one won’t.

We haven’t really had dense fog or night yet. Not really. We’ve had some hard times during that weird time a few years back and it was interesting to watch how certain people handled things.

But I am reminded of how true colors come forth under persecution when I think of World War 2 Germany and how many pastors caved to the “state”. Or when I think of the conditions in some countries today, where to stand for Jesus is a death sentence. When it costs to be a Bible-believing Christian, few will pretend.

However, false lighthouses thrive and multiply when it’s such a rewarding endeavor without any cost.

Oh, people love their celebrities and many rise up to meet that desire.

I am sure close inspection of these lighthouses would also reveal the truth. I am reminded of a biography I read earlier this year that tore to shreds my opinion of a “godly Christian” most Christians greatly admire (from a distance), just as I did until, unfortunately, I got a closer look. Getting a glimpse into this person’s life was disheartening and discouraging and has made me wonder if they were a true lighthouse at all.

The celebrity culture is very dangerous. It puts our eyes on people instead of on God and His Word.

It is important that no stars in our eyes keep us from seeking God through His Word and seeing the truth.

Is someone a real lighthouse, shining the light of Jesus or are they fake, pretending to be a lighthouse when they really aren’t?

Jesus warns us that this is important. Paul and John echo this warning (Philippians 3:17-19; I John 2:18-19) Unfortunately, we don’t get to just warmly embrace everyone who comes in the name of Jesus. There are just too many that are using Him for personal gain and for deception.

It would be a nice world where we could trust everyone at face value. But scripture clearly shows us we cannot.

Just as I could not trust that the lighthouse on the left is not real, I cannot trust that a teacher is true without looking at their fruits.

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Yes, it’s the lighthouse on the left that is the fake. Maybe you could tell. I could not. I was thankful for the tour guide who told us the truth.

Just as I am thankful for other believers who speak the truth. Even when it’s hard. Even when it costs them. They help me stay on the straight and narrow path and keep me from deception.

And that’s what we should be doing for each other, right? We are family after all and our love for each other should compel us to speak the truth. Humility helps us to receive the truth that is offered in love.

May we both speak and hear the truth, even when it hurts. And may we turn our eyes from celebrities and keep them focused fully on Jesus.