Work seems to have a way of moving friends and family to distant places. Some very dear friends recently moved to North Carolina, and though they will be greatly missed, they will never be forgotten.
Though her husband’s job was the reason for the move, it also meant finding jobs for the other members of the family. Jane found her job in a candle factory as one who checks the quality of the product – a Quality Controller. Her new job reminded me of just how much I like candles.
Candles have many purposes, but the two that immediately come to my mind are fragrance and light. Consider, first, the purpose of fragrance. Essential oils have become quite the craze among many people, especially women who enjoy a relaxing bubble bath in a room dimly lit by numerous fragrant candles. The ensuing term is ‘aroma therapy.’ We all need time for relaxation and a warm bubble bath and candles is one way to do it.
Secondly, consider that candles, when lit, bring forth light. Candles can be welcoming when used during a power outage. No one wants to sit in a pitch-black room when the electricity has failed. The flickering light of a small candle can dispel the darkness. If the candle is left on a table, it gives a small amount of surrounding light; but lift the candle up to a higher elevation and it can light the entire room. Isn’t that what Jesus said?
In Matthew 5:14-15 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all that are in the house.”
Can you imagine the absurdity of lighting a candle for the express purpose of lighting a room, then covering the candle with a bowl or bucket to hide the light? Neither should we, as lights in the world, hide the light that aids others who walk in darkness.
As those who are the light of the world, we are but a reflection of Jesus Christ, the One who is the True Light. Our light is to shine before others as we help them to come out of the darkness of sin and into the light of everlasting life.
In verse 16 Jesus went on to say, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The light that is reflected in our good works directed towards others can glorify God as He works through us in ministry to others. So, ask yourself, “Are you a flickering flame that is about to be extinguished, or a light that is ‘lifted up’ for others to see?”
-Jerry L. Dunn, Oak Street Baptist Church
