Candles Teach Us About Mothers

A. KINDS OF CANDLES

- Atmospheric candles to create a mood. Some mothers’ attitudes permeate the house with their godliness and goodness.

- Candles to celebrate. Some mothers celebrate the life and passage of events with meaning, i.e., Christmas, weddings, anniversaries.

- Food candles that create appetite. Some mothers make sure their children eat properly, i.e., no fat, limited sugar, etc.

- Multiple wicks for more light. Some mothers have multiple strengths to have a broad influence in home, church, children’s schools, etc.

- Tall candles to stand alone. Some mothers give illumination much farther than the limits of their home life, i.e., singers, speakers, authors, etc.

- Birthday candles bring a smile. Some mothers are excellent in giving attention to the growth of their children.

- Candelabra are more than one. Some mothers work best with others in serving the Lord.

- Unity candles to show two becoming one. Some mothers accomplish more in unity with her husband to minister as a team. “The two shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24).

- Citronella candle to keep away bugs that cause infection. Some mothers excel in protecting their children from the temptations of the world, flesh, and the devil.

B. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CANDLES

1. Physical life. “The light shall be dark in his Tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out” (Job 18:6).

2. Illumination from God. Oh, that I were as in months past, as in the days when God watched over me; when His candle shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness” (Job 29:2-3).

3. Ones walk with God. The old Scottish Psalter translates Psalms 28:28.

The Lord will light my candle,

That it shall shine full bright:

The Lord my God will also make,

My darkness to be light.

4. Your conscience. “The Spirit of man is as the candles of the Lord, sending all the inward parts of the belly” (Prov. 20:27).

- What good is a candle without light?

- Never do violence to your conscience.

5. Your sincerity. “Her candle goeth not out by night” (Prov. 31:18).

- She knows how to lengthen days and do more.

6. Your influence. “Neither do men light candles, and put them under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matt. 5:15).

C. PRINCIPLES TO LEARN FROM CANDLES

1. The physical size of candles does not determine its influences, but the flame.

2. The more wicks (flames) mean more influences.

3. Some candles – like people – must be held to be useful.

4. Candles – like people – will burn low without oxygen or the Spirit of God in their life.

5. Candles – like people – are most effective when the circumstances are darkest. The blacker the night, the further the candle shines.

6. The burning of a candle is like the passing of time; once it’s gone it cannot be gotten back.

7. A newly lighted flame is more easily blown out than an older one. New Christians fall easier than mature ones.

8. Painted pictures of candles do not give light, only real fire.

9. Candles must give of themselves to give light to others.

10. Candles must be touched by light before influencing others.

11. Candles give warmth when they give their influence.

12. No matter how beautiful or crude the candle, its light can influence others.

13. One candle can light every home on a street.

14. Put a candle in a prominent location so it can

influence best.

15. A candle is never perfect but it gives perfect light.

16. Candles do not waste their lights by giving its light to others.

17. A sputtering candle – like ill-tempered believers – gives uncertain light.

18. A candle is made for a purpose; if it’s not light, it’s purposeless.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.