Let There Be Light

The first commandment that was ever recorded in scripture was "let there be light" (Genesis 1:3).  While it was spoken in reference to the creation of the world, it also applies to us.  What is this light?  It is the light of Christ.  "The Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world" (Doctrine and Covenants 84:46)  Everyone has this light because it comes from our Father in Heaven.  How brightly we shine depends on what we do with it.  When we follow Christ's example of love, service, and charity, then our light shines brightly for all to see.  When we are disobedient, that light grows dim.

We may sometimes feel that our little efforts are too small to make a difference - too small to be noticed.  The truth is, even a small light makes a big difference in a room.  For example, go into a completely dark room, one with absolutely no light.  Then light a single birthday candle.  It is small compared to the great expanse of the room, and yet with it you can see the things around you.  It has the power to dispell the darkness and provide visibility.  

Even with all of the gunk that is going on in the world today, we can let our lights shine with goodness.  A simple smile, a friendly "hello", or even a sincere question of "how are you doing today?" makes a big difference when life seems dark and dreary.  You don't need to do big things to make a difference.

Some lights are put on candlesticks and put in the middle of the room for all to see and admire.  Others are placed in the corners.  It's easy to forget those corner candles, but what a difference it makes!  It chases away the shadows that like to linger in the corners of the room and creates a warmer, nicer atmosphere to be in.  

This also parallels our lives.  Some people are in the middle of attention, and many people praise them for their good works - their light.  Others may be doing similar things, but might not be noticed for their efforts.  It's easy in those moments to feel discouraged, that you're not good enough to be put in the middle, or your light is not important.  Please, do not let your light grow dim because you think it's not important.  Your efforts are very much needed!  Do good works no matter where you are, and do your best in every situation.  It won't always be front and center, but it will always be worthwhile.

Every person is different, and so is every candle.  Some people go the extra 3 miles to get a job done, while others slide by with minimum effort.  Some candles are big and last for hours and hours before they finally admit defeat.  Others, like birthday candles, come and go in a matter of minutes.  We need to build ourselves up to last through anything.  We must become consistent in our efforts - and that takes time and effort.  

 

Think of the way that candles were made in the past, they didn't fill molds with wax, they started with a single string and dipped it into the wax.  Layer after layer after layer they had to work to get a single candle formed.  This is parallel to our lives, we don't become great in one dazzling moment, but by our daily actions we build up our character until we become someone who will last through anything. "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24)

Now, certainly there is opposition in all things.  There are many people who don't want us to let our light shine and do good works.  We ourselves might be terrified of letting people see who we "really are".  In Matthew 5 it talks about how men don't put a light under a bushel.  I think an equally good analogy is putting your light under a cup.

 

Why?

Because when you put a cup on top of a candle, something happens to that light: it dies.  As it uses up the oxygen, the light grows dimmer and dimmer until it finally goes out.  The flame is gone, leaving nothing more than a partially glowing stub as the final memory that something used to be there.

This is also true about us.  When we hide our light and hold back on doing good, we're not just simply keeping others from seeing the good, our own light and capabilities diminish with it.  Our light grows when we share it.  When we do good, we become more able to do more.  So don't shy away from doing something good!

Whenever it's time to light the candles on a birthday cake, there is really only one way to do it (or at least only one way that I've ever done): You light one candle with the match, and then you use that candle to light all of the others.  The candle isn't diminished because of this, it still burns happily even as the flame multiplies from one candle to 9 flickering flames. 

This is another benefit to us sharing our light and doing good works.  It not only makes the world a brighter and better place, but it also inspires others to do the same.  There is a quote in my room that says "your spark could turn into a flame and change everything".  Our one act of good can set off a chain of events where another person does a good deed, and then another, and then another.  We are not lessened by the experience, in fact quite the opposite.  When we share our light, others will share theirs. 

Our light comes from the light of Christ, and when we shine brightly, we are pointing the way to His eternal light.  It creates a path for others to follow, so then they can travel in safety.  Robert D Hales said,

“Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you are the light sent by Heavenly Father to lead another safely home or to be a beacon from a distance to show the way back to the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life? Your light is a beacon and should never stop burning or mislead those who are looking for a way home. Let the lower lights keep burning—you may save a struggling seaman in the turbulent sea of life.”

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) There are a lot of good things that we can and ought to do in this life.  There are many reasons why we should, but the most important thing to remember is to do it.  Let your light shine; don’t hold it back for any reason.  Share your good works, share your testimony, share your light.  You were made to shine brightly, for you are a child of God.