Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Renewal of the Church: Light on the Lamp Stands
Matthew 5 14-16
 

Rev. Denny Philip
Carmel MTC, Boston

14 “You are the light of the world".

 “You are entering your mission field”. This was a signboard I noticed while driving out of a nearby English church after participating in their Saturday mission. I take it as another version of the commandment “You are the light of the world”. The realization that I am being sent evokes some thoughts about my existence in this world. Whatever applies to me applies to the Church also.


I always need a source of energy:
Lamps needs an outer source of energy, be it oil or electricity to give out light. It does not shine by itself. But the quality of light depends not only on the outer source but on its own ability to give out the maximum of the energy it has received. That is why different bulbs, connected to the same source, emit different brightness. So the quality of my life depends on my ability to radiate the Grace I receive. The more I give, the more I get and I give not to get, but for the fact that, it is in my being.
 I am not for myself:
No lamp is lit for the lamp itself. It is done by and for someone else. Its existence becomes relevant and meaningful when it is placed on the lamp stand. It is done not to project the lamp in a better light but to shine proper light. The purpose of my life and ministry is not to make myself known but to help others see themselves and praise God. When Jesus said ‘I am the light of the world’, He lived, preached and worked in such a way that the world may come back to its senses and see God. So He made himself so transparent that He could say "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9). Whenever I try to project myself through my ministry, I become opaque and become a hindrance between God and the world. Then I fail to be the light.
I need to help the world to see itself:
The presence of the lamp brings realizations. With light, we are able to figure out things which was not possible for us to see in the darkness. Light gives us a sense of what we are, where we are and who and what is out there. It eliminates the uncertainties and helps us to position ourselves. It is not the light that does things but the light equips us. It implies two things. As light, I need to respect others by seeing their resources and I have to be an equipping and enabling presence.   
Whatever applies to me applies to the Church also. May God help and bless us.

PRAYER

Lord God, transform us that we may be the light of the world.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
 
We are lighted to lighten.

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