By Effie Rolfe, Chicago Crusader
A Candle loses no light by lighting another candle. This candle that I speak of is more than mere wax, rather it is the God in you that lifts hearts and enlightens destiny and hope. Moreover, the lighting of the candle is to awaken, ignite or to put a spark in someone’s spirit to cause optimum growth.
I remember Les Brown, my mentor, often saying ‘success isn’t success unless you have a successor.’ In other words, it is so important to understand that God has blessed you to be a blessing to others. To whom much is given much is required. It was never intended for you to take your knowledge and wisdom with you to the grave.
The good book clearly helps us to understand our role in Matthew 5:14-16: 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Yes, this verse is dealing with the spiritual—but honestly, when it comes to the essence of life and who you are—it’s all about your spirit.
Unfortunately, too many are afraid or unwilling to assist others, thinking it might minimize their own radiance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nothing takes away from the beauty, class and smarts you have more than selfishness. When you are grateful for the gifts and talents bestowed upon you and pay it forward by helping others to grow, your illumination glares more intensely than ever before. There is beauty in unselfishness that causes you to shine bright like a diamond in the sky.
Furthermore, collectively we shine brighter together. You are blessed—not to boast but rather to be a blessing. Whatever you do is to ultimately glorify God—the giver of all good things.
You cannot receive with a closed hand. In order to give or to receive—you must open your hands and your mind.
On the job, be a mentor to someone. Be a teacher in and out of the classroom. Your child or not—we are all family—become a volunteer member of the village. Sorry, but you don’t have the luxury to pick and choose whom to serve. Remember, to whom much is given, much is required.
Actually, blessing others with your gifting, knowledge and wisdom can be another form of giving offerings to God. I truly believe He will honor whatever you share with a cheerful heart to impact the kingdom and to make the world a better place.
Finally, here’s a question to ponder—‘are you a fuse or a diffuser?’ Did you help someone to light a candle or did you cause his or her light to grow dimmer?
Make your life count and be a blessing to someone who needs what you have. Most people are looking for a hand up—not a hand out. Impart your knowledge and wisdom to bless generations to come. We’ve all stood on the shoulders of giants. You arrived at your current address from the backs of pioneers who were generations before you. In closing, “We cannot teach people anything—we can only help them discover it within themselves.”
Have you lit a candle today—prepped yourself to help someone else…?
© Effie Rolfe is Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her on twitter.com/effiedrolfe Listen to her show daily from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. (cst) on urbanpraiseradio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)
