Light a candle

UV 390/10,000 Light a candle Mathew 5 v 15 Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. When we are people of faith and we live according to our faith in Christ, we become a candle to the world. In the face of any problem or challenge that the world throws at us the candle within us will say, “ Can handle”. When we always think we can, we end up becoming a candle. When we keep doing what we can do, we end up doing what we cannot do. A candle does not distinguish between those whom it should give light to and those it should not. It gives light to all. Similarly, we must share God’s love with all, to friend and foe, to those we like and do not, to those who need it and those who think they do not. The candle consumes its own wax in order to give light. Similarly we must live sacrificial lives. The wax is also a metaphor for the Word of God and the wisdom of the Lord. The same flame that exudes light, provides the heat to melt the wax to feed the wick. The Word and wisdom will make us shine for God in a world of darkness. Just as a candle is used to light other candles and flames, we must be the cause for other people to shine for the Lord in the contemporary darkness. Just as a candle cannot think that just because it burns brightly, it is the source of light and energy, that it is virtually, the sun, we must always have a humble view of our role and contribution. We are called not to be the wicked but to be the wick that burns brightly. There must be a sense of burning passion and zeal in us for righteousness and excellence. We must not keep the faith and grace the Lord has given us a secret. We must not try to hide it or conceal it from others. We must not extinguish the flame of faith that the Lord has lit in us. Instead,we must position ourselves as leaders who lead people to the true light. Our professions and the place where we live and work is the candlestick that holds us up for the world to see. While burning, we must also be aware and watch and pray for protection against the forces and factors that threaten to extinguish the flame. We must use our talents and gifts to glorify our Maker, our Father in heaven. When we strive to attain His perfection, we catch up with excellence. The spirit that burns in us is the incandescent light of excellence. The candle never gives up mid-way, saying it is tired or has burned enough but continues to burn till the last drop of wax. Similarly, we too must burn to give warmth and light to all, all through our lives. We must exhibit the attitude of persistence and perseverance in our faith and in our work. Prateep V Philip