Let your light so shine.

I've been thinking about this scripture recently:

Picture from eofdreams.com

"Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

"Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick.  And it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The scriptures teach us that light comes from the presence of God (D&C 88:12), that light gives life to all things (D&C 88:13), and that Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12).  I think it is interesting that although light is often referred to when talking about Christ, here Christ is saying that we are the light.  I think it follows that the more and more we become like Christ, the more of Christ's light we possess.

Ye are the light of the world.  "Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.  Behold, I am the light which ye shall hold up––that which ye have seen me do" (3 Nephi 18:24).  As the light of the world, we are to follow the teachings and examples of the Savior.  We are to act as He would, were He here.  We are to say what He would say, were He here.

A candle gives light to all.  It is no respecter of persons.  The light is given liberally to all, and cannot choose who to shed its light on and who to it withholds light from.

That being said, I think we should point out that we are not called to be flame throwers.  We are not to be forceful with our testimony, cannot force others to feel the spirit, and cannot force others to choose the right.  We are called to be candles.  We are small, we are quiet, and at times, our example is not noticed.  But when the thicker darkness comes, we will still be there, shining the light of Christ to warm those nearby.

Our responsibility as a candle is to shine.  It is to give.  It is to love.  It is not to hide, nor to be frustrated.  Our responsibility is not to judge.  A candle burns quietly, consistently.  A candle does not cower when laughed at.  Instead, a candle will still burn and give light to the mocker.

--Is this not following the example of Christ?  Did not Christ visit the sick and the afflicted?  Did not Christ dine with the sinners?  Did He not quietly and beautifully forgive those who had crucified him?

Christ's light never faltered. 

There are times of trial in life.  There are times of disappointment, discouragement, and darkness.  There are times of hopelessness, and they come to everybody.  In times like these it may seem that the darkness is too overwhelming; that it is too much for us to let our light shine.  In times like these we must turn to Christ to help restore our light.

There will be challenges and struggles, but there will also be times of peace, love, serenity, and deep assurance that all will be well.  We can remember that the light is stronger than the darkness.  That Christ's light will never falter.

We can let our light so shine.  We can hold fast to the iron rode.  We can turn our head and find a neighbor to bring with us to church.  We can express love to those we meet.  Because we know who we are and we know who's light we are shining.  And we can have confidence in that.

"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 & Covenants 50:24).

Add to Your Faith Virtue and to Your Virtue Knowledge, by Walter Rane.