#8 - Parables in Mark

The Candle

As I mentioned before I am leaving on a mission in about a month. In conjunction with that I have started to think a lot more about the kind of example that I am of Jesus Christ. One of my favorite parables from Mark that has deeply influenced what kind of an example and missionary I want to be is the parable of the candle under a bushel. In this parable, Mark asks the question of whether a candle should be put under a bushel or bed, or on a candlestick where it can be seen. This is similar to 1 Timothy 4:12, in which we are instructed, “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

This has a strong application to my life as I not only prepare to be a representative of Christ, but also as I grow and become more like Him. Sometimes I think that I fall a little short in realizing how many people are really watching what I am doing and listening to as well as what I am saying. There are times in my life where, because I am human, I tend to put my candle under a bushel, or in other words, not speak up like I should. This should not, however, be my first reaction in these moments. Instead, like Mark says, I should put my candle on a candlestick for all to see. I should speak up, share my testimony with all, and be an example of a disciple of Christ. It is only by taking heed of these words from Mark that I will become more like my Savior who never hid His candle.

The Seed Growing Secretly

Another parable from Mark that I find applies in my life is that of the seed growing secretly. In the parable it talks about a man planting a seed and then waking to find that the seed has grown. Although this event has occurred, the man has no knowledge of how it happened. I know that there are events in my life similar to this, when something happens but I have no knowledge of how it happened. From this parable I have learned that even though I do not have all of the knowledge right at that moment, all I really need to realize is that it occurred and affected my life, and not necessarily the why and how. I believe that as I go about my life in this manner that I will have more faith in my Heavenly Father and the plan that He has for me. As I do this, I can draw closer to my Savior.