I have developed an admiration for the beauty of the different types of jewelry and precious stones over the years.  For me, the more intricate a piece of jewelry is, the more beautiful it becomes.  I’ve purchased quite a few items from the jewelry stores over the years and I’ve learned, there’s a big difference between the good and bad stuff.  On our one year anniversary, I decided to purchase a pair of diamond earrings for my wife.  There were a few different pairs to choose from.  After viewing each pair under different lighting throughout the store, I settled on the perfect pair for her.  Jewelers will tell you, one of the most important aspects of any jewelry store is lighting.  When designing a jewelry store, it is important to consider a few things.  Specifically, what types of ceilings the building will have.  Higher ceilings require more spotlights as opposed to lower ceilings that require more narrow flood lights.  Then one is required to decide on the types of bulbs to use.  Standard choices range from incandescent, to halogen, or even LED lights.  There are perks and drawbacks to each choice which include purchase costs, the necessity of greater climate control in a room (some bulbs give off more heat increasing your costs in the long run), and more.  There’s also a need to light the inside of the actual jewelry case.  It’s all an intricate balance to bring out the best presentation of each piece of jewelry so it will be purchased.  

I recently preached a sermon on the importance of knowing your enemy.  As believers, we can’t expect to overcome our enemy if we don’t know their weaknesses, the types of weapons they’ll use, and more.  Ezekiel 28:15-17 states, “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.  So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.”  At one time, Lucifer (now known as Satan) was the brightest and most beautiful of all the angels and had been given unfettered access to God.  His proximity to God left him wanting for nothing……..except the praise, reverence, and worship that God received.  Satan knows about light.  At one time, he was a source of light.  The most beautiful source of light among all the angels.  As believers, we must know the difference between something that presents itself as being right when it’s actually a misrepresentation of the truth.  There is only One source of true Light.  Spending intimate time with the Master is one of the only ways to know the difference between the real thing or the knock-off version.  “Ain’t nothin’ like the real thang, baby!”

Closing remarks and encouragement:  We can’t expect to beat the enemy unless we know who he really is.  As believers, we must pay attention to the type of light illuminating things around us.  Paying attention to the wrong light will require more of you than you’re willing to pay and lead you down roads you didn’t intend to travel.  The real thing may cost more but it will become a priceless jewel to you.  Know your enemy, then stand up and fight the good fight!

Have a blessed week, my friends!