Make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. Make the entire lampstand and its decorations of one piece—the base, center stem, lamp cups, buds, and petals.

Exodus 25:31

I wonder how the Levites felt about being set apart. 

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now set the Levites apart from the rest of the people of Israel and make them ceremonially clean.
Numbers 8:5-6

The practical function of the golden lampstand was to shed light in the holy place. This holy place had no windows, the lampstand was the only source of light.

The lampstand represented God’s

• life and light to His people.
• promise of prosperity and life (shaped like a tree).
• deity, holiness and purity (made of solid gold).
  (precious in these days, many other items were made of bronze).
• perfection and completeness (7 is the number of completeness).
• purpose for the body of believers coming together (unity: all in one piece).

The lamps were to burn continuously. This symbolized: 

• perpetual worship of God.
• acknowledgment of God's watchfulness over His people.
• God's unceasing presence and security.

The lampstand was the foreshadowing of Jesus, who came to be the light of the world as well as instruction for disciples, followers of Jesus.

• Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
  John 8:12 
• You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house
  Matthew 5:14-15 

Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and set them so they reflect their light forward.
Exodus 25:37

About my light: Does it reflect:

Forward

• Directed toward a point in advance; moving ahead; onward: a forward motion. 
• Being in a condition of advancement; well-advanced 
• Ready, prompt, or eager. 

Inward

• Proceeding or directed toward the inside or interior. 
• Situated within or in or on the inside; inner; internal 
• Pertaining to the inside or inner part. 
• Private or secret. 
• Closely personal; intimate

We have three choices:

• Snuff His light out.
• Steal His light.
• Share His light.

We serve as the lampstand of God’s light: 

• a symbol of God’s light shining in the darkness of the world. 
• representing His eternal Presence leading us in a life of righteousness. 
• illuminating our lives to encourage others to, by faith, follow Christ. 

The lampstand was to burn continuously, and so should our devotion to our Lord.

Allow Holy Spirit to work in my life so that my light shines forward, not inward. Don’t steal nor snuff His light. Share with others.