JUST THE WICK

JUST THE WICK

By Deb Gorman

PSALM 119:105 “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

MATTHEW 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

I was talking to my husband the other day about being a light to the world and he said, “I’m just the wick.”  At first I thought it was funny; then I thought, “Wow, he’s not even lit!  I want to be lit!  I don’t want to be just the wick.”  

 But upon reflection of that simple statement, I realized the glaring truth.  We are just the wicks!  It’s Jesus Who is the Light.  All we have to do is stand up and be ready for the blazing Light He will give us so that we can light up the world.

But I have a question.  What kind of wick am I?  Since Jesus took me from the darkness of sin into the Light of His Kingdom, have I become the kind of light He wants me to be?  Consider the penlight.  It gives light to a small area, focusing exactly where it’s needed for a short amount of time.  Now think of a 15,000,000 candle spotlight.  It puts out a light that can be seen for miles.  We need those penlights on occasion, but a penlight would be no use outside on a dark night when I’m trying to find my way.  What I need is that 15,000,000 candle spotlight!

So, am I a penlight disciple of Christ or a 15,000,000 candle disciple of Christ?  Am I ready for just a small “light job” or have I allowed God to so work in me that I’m fully prepared to be a blazing light for Jesus in a dark world that desperately needs Him?

“Father, I’m just your wick.  Please help me to be the blazing light you’ve created me to be

in this dark world.  As my family, friends, and co-workers see me,

may they praise the Source of the Light within me.  Amen.”