Life’s Motivation: The Parable of the Candle
The Parable
Once, in a small, dark room, there stood a single candle upon an altar. Its wick, though ready, remained unlit. Nearby, a beautiful lamp glittered with polished brass and intricate carvings, admired by all who passed. Though the lamp’s owner proudly displayed it, the lamp could give no light—it was empty of oil.
One day, the candle overheard a visitor remark, "This lamp is a treasure, yet it does not fulfill its purpose. Only the simple candle offers light when lit."
The candle pondered its place. It knew that to give light, it must first be consumed. Its wax would melt away, and its flame, though brilliant, would not serve its own glory. Yet in that self-giving, the candle could dispel darkness and guide others.
With humble resolve, the candle yielded itself to the match. As its flame grew, the room filled with light. It no longer sought to be admired but to serve the greater purpose for which it was made.
Reflection on Motivation
In Romans 8:14, Paul reminds us, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Like the candle, our motivation must stem from the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, not from a desire for personal acclaim or influence.
True service to God requires a surrender of self—our reputations, ambitions, and desires. The Cross, in separating us from all that is self-centered, reveals the purity of our motives. As T. Austin-Sparks wrote, in today’s Abide Above devotional, only when we pass through daily death to our own agendas can we become a living sacrifice, prepared for God’s work.
This surrender may mean being overlooked, misunderstood, or even rejected. But it is in this sacrifice that we shine with the light of Christ, pointing others to Him.
Practical Applications
Examine Your Motives: Ask yourself, "Am I seeking to glorify Christ or myself in this work?" Trust the Spirit to reveal and refine your true intentions.
Yield Daily: Present yourself to God each day as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), trusting Him to use you according to His purpose.
Embrace Hiddenness: Like the candle, be content to serve in obscurity if it brings light to others. Remember, God's measure of success is faithfulness, not recognition.
Rest in the Spirit’s Leading: Stop striving for approval and allow the Spirit to guide your motivations and actions.
Reflection Questions
What areas of your life are still motivated by personal ambition rather than the Spirit of God?
How can you embrace the refining work of the Cross in revealing and purifying your motives?
Are you willing to be consumed, like the candle, so that others may see Christ’s light through you?
Closing Thought
The motivation of life in Christ is not about achieving for God but surrendering to Him. As we allow the Spirit to purify our hearts and align our will with His, we become like the candle, burning brightly in service to others and pointing the way to the true Source of life.
"Before there can be the fire of God there must be an altar and a sacrifice; and it must be the burnt offering." -T. Austin-Sparks