THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
A song for children had the line, “This little light of mine; I’m gonna let it shine…..” You may remember it. Today, I want us to consider two questions:
1) What is it that causes us to shine as Christians?
The simple answer is that it is the spark of the Holy Spirit who ignites something within us such that we in turn become a light to others around us.
But consider how a candle is formed. It is immersed into molten wax over and over again to form layers, and with each immersion, the candle diameter becomes greater, creating a solid reservoir of fuel to provide a long burning time for the flame. As the candle flame melts the wax surface, the hot wax fluid is drawn into the wick and the flame burns, and continues to burn whilst relying on the wax reservoir as a fuel source.
Whilst God’s Holy Spirit does indeed set us alight, it is the many “hot wax” immersions we go through in struggling with some aspect of God’s word and seeking to put it into practice; time travailing in prayer for ourselves and our communities; and passing through both the positive and negative life experiences that together assist in developing us to become the pillars of His grace that continually empower us to shine for Him.
2) In what ways are we to shine?
As a candle flame burns, not only does it provide light, but also heat, and if scented, a pleasing aroma. It is also portable, such that many different spaces can be affected by these qualities.
In Ephesians 5:8 – 10, Paul tells us, Now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
We are to be bringers of the fruit of the light that the Holy Spirit has ignited in us. Just like a candle, we bring light (God’s truth within the dark spaces around us); heat (God’s righteousness revealed in our personal testimonies and conversations); and the pleasing aroma (fragrance of Christ –
2 Corinthians 2:14 - 16) that all leave something noteworthy, pleasing, and refreshing in the atmosphere around us.
So, if we feel we are passing through some “hot wax” moments, remember the promise of Scripture:
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17 – 18)
Prayer:
Lord God, our desire is to be light bringers in our communities and workplaces. Help us to be patient in your refining processes as You develop us to become the shining pillars of Your grace. Amen.
