In pathway
this week we read some of my favorite passages in the Book of Mormon. 3rd Nephi 12-17. This is when the Savior visits the
Americas. He visits the Nephites
teaching, ministering and extending invitations to follow Him. I really liked 3rd Nephi 12:14-16-
14 Verily, verily, I say unto
you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hid.
15 Behold,
do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and
it giveth light to all that are in the house;
16 Therefore
let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
I love His description
and invitation to the people. He asks
them to be a light. Light is significant
to me for many reasons, but I thought I would start with looking up what the
Webster dictionary said about light
Full Definition of light
1.
1 a
: something that makes vision possible
1.
b : the
sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
2.
c :
electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a
speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second; specifically : such radiation that is visible to the human
eye
3.
3 : a
source of light: as
1.
a : a
celestial body
3.
c : an
electric light
5.
5 a
: spiritual illumination
6.
6 a
: public knowledge
1.
b : a
particular aspect or appearance presented to view
7.
7 : a
particular illumination
8.
8 :
something that enlightens or informs
The word light is amazing. It has so may contexts, all involving vision,
of one kind or another. Mental,
Physical, emotional, and spiritual light. I love the word light because it means so much
to me, not only in scripture, but also in art, and yoga.
I love photography, which is a graphing of
light. Understanding how to capture it
makes some beautiful images and gives an understanding of how light can
illuminate a subject, or keep it in shadow. In yoga we talk about how every
person has an inner light, that we can connect with personally, and use that
light to connect with God. We also
acknowledge that light in the expression when we say Namaste at the end of
every class. “The light and love in me
acknowledges the light and love with in you”.
All beings have that divine spark, an inner light. .
Light is an energy, it sustains life.
Light is necessary for so many reasons, yet it is so readily available we
may take it for granted. When the Savior
talks about light in 3rd Nephi 12:14-16, He talks to us about light,
in the form of a candle. He asks a
question, would you light a candle and hide it?
Would you deprive yourself or others of the light? No!
You would put it on a candle stick so it would give light to all the
house. To me, this means to be
fearlessly yourself. Be an example of
righteous living to all. Don’t be
ashamed or embarrassed or afraid to share your light. The world needs your light. You have no idea when or where that light is
needed, so don’t hide it. Don’t turn it
off. I don’t think that the Savior
randomly chose to call Himself the Light of the World. Light is a concept that is easily understood
by all. He is the ultimate light, when
we follow Him, we make His light that much stronger. We shine so He can be known in the
world.
