The Lodestar

Jesus explained how to make the world brighter through the metaphor of oil lamps.

First, the placement of the lamp is crucial if it is intended to illuminate the room. We put the lamp on a stand to light up the place; putting it under any object that hinders its light is not helpful. We place the lamps on the highest possible stands to make everything visible.

He was not giving instructions on room lighting, but he affirmed that the disciples are "the light of the world" (Matt 5:14) that he has appointed to sweep the world's darkness.

The mission of the disciples in this world emulates the work of the creator-God, who commanded the light to limit the perennial darkness that has enveloped planet Earth: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness" (Gen 1:3).

The light of the disciples is the good works they do for the glory of the Lord. Every good act they do brings God's glory to the world. In situations of exploitation, violence and oppression, Christ-followers stand up with the values of the Kingdom to check the moral darkness. Darkness has no existence; it is the absence of light.

As the old saying goes, let us not blame the darkness but light up a candle.

We light up our houses and offices during Christmas and store them away till the following Christmas. However, lighting up the world with our virtuous deeds for the glory of God is a lifetime commitment.

Jesus has placed you, his disciple, like a lamp on a stand—meant to pierce the darkness, not blend into it. Do not wait for perfect conditions or grand stages. Start where you are: in your home, your office, your neighbourhood. Every act of love, justice, and compassion becomes a spark of divine light pushing back the shadows in our world. So today—and every day—be the light. Not a decorative one, but a living one.

Shine through your actions. Shine for His glory. Make the world brighter—one good work at a time.

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