Tag: Christianity

Neal Pollard

It is going to be harder today to find a quick answer to such questions as, “How did William Henry Harrison die?” or “What is the history of the easter bunny?”  For both questions, the top search engine result is the Wikipedia website.  Most know that they have chosen today, January 18, 2012, to protest some anti-piracy legislation better known as SOPA and PIPA.  The list of sites participating in what they call the “blackout” is very long, but none have more star power than the familiar, free information Wiki-sites.  Were I better informed about the particulars, I might articulate an educated opinion.  I will defer to others for that service.  My interest is in the way they have chosen to protest.  They are calling it “blackout Wikipedia.”  They have shut down their site and no one can use it for “research.”  As my friend Keith Kasarjian wrote earlier today, “With Wikipedia down, students all over the world are scrambling to figure out how to do real research.”

In John 8:12, Jesus called Himself the light of the world.  Matthew 5:14 says that we, as Christians, are the light of the world. But, Jesus, in Matthew five, says that we black out those lights (cf. 5:15).  Paul demonstrates how important it is for that light to be seen.  He says that in a dark, crooked and perverse world, Christians “appear as lights” (Phil. 2:15).  But, when we black out that light through compromise and conformation, no one will be able to find out the answers to the most important questions of all time and eternity.  We ourselves were called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9). Paul says, “Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).  How can we do that if nobody knows we have the light and are the light?

None of us would arbitrary chose a day to blackout our Christianity, but if we are not careful we can make such a decision our way of life.  God give us strength and courage to “put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12)!

 

Neal Pollard

My mother-in-law makes them.  There are usually a few in my office.  They have been used to light the way for centuries.  They are such simple devices, still a staple amid our technologically advanced age.

A candle requires a functioning wick.  This is the catalyst for the candle to burn.  That wick must be sufficiently long to hold and carry the flame.  If the wick is too short, the flame dies.  No wick and it’s useless.  Likewise, I need to be sure that my “wick” is fully functional, too.  Too many have a “short wick” or seemingly none at all.  They are quick-tempered, flying off the handle and into a rage (cf. Pro. 12:16; 29:11) .

A candle requires wax.  It is pretty hard before it is heated, but then is softens and melts.  Scented candles emit an aroma, too.  From this, I am reminded of the need I have to let God’s Word, which is like a fire (cf. Jer. 23:29), soften my heart and melt it.  As a child of God, as that Word works on my life it should cause me to emit an aroma pleasing to God (cf. 2 Cor. 2:14). It should also work to draw others to Him.

A candle is molded.  Even if it does not have a glass or other container, it is preformed and shaped by the candle maker.  That candle is designed to keep the shape given it by its creator.  Just so, I remember that God wishes to mold and shape my life.  If I let Him, He can change and transform me into something useful (cf. Rom. 12:2).  I must be true to His design for my life, pursuing a higher purpose than just earthly matters (Col. 3:1).

A candle’s color does not effect its ability.  If you have been by a candle display, you have seen how diverse the color spectrum is.  The color of the wax does not determine whether or not the candle works.  What a reminder for man, so prone to prejudice.  God, who created us all, gives no preference or priority to one race over another.  Thanks to Christ, such distinctions have been erased (Gal. 3:28).

A candle eventually is spent.  Manufacturers tout long-life candles, slow-burning candles, and the like.  Yet, if used, the candle will come to an end.  May I never forget that this body is not engineered for eternity, that this physical life will come to an end (Heb. 9:27).  May that come after a long and productive life used for His purpose.