LUMINARIES AND CATALYSTS

In this piece, I discusss Believers’ essential goal as luminaries and catalysts in human society.

Firstly, let’s look at the key terms of our subject.

1. THE LUMINARY

In its basic and archaic meaning, a luminary is a natural light-giving body, especially the sun or moon. Simply put, a body that gives light.

In its usage or reference to human beings, a luminary is said to be a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere. 

To be luminous means to be brilliant intellectually; to be enlightened or enlightening, and it can refer to a writer or a writer's works, or to a concept or any piece of literary, creative or social work.

2. THE CATALYST

A catalyst is generally defined as a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.

In application to humans, the word catalyst is used to describe a person or thing that precipitates an event. Or simply put, an event or person causing a change. Yes, it could be a life-changing event that facilitates a personal or social transformation.

Other words that also indicate this same energy or activity include impetus, impulse, incitement, spur, prompt, push, reactant, stimulus, enzyme, etc.

Scientifically, catalysts are fundamental elements in the human physiology, in all living organisms and in different industries processes.

For example, Biology teaches us that many proteins in our bodies are actually catalysts called enzymes, which do everything from creating signals that move our limbs to helping digest our food.

Also, base elements in ionic compounds know as catalysts are integral in the production of several manufactured items, such as pottery, petroleum products: plastics, soaps and detergents, solvents, drugs, fertilizers, pesticides, explosives, synthetic fibres and rubbers, paints, epoxy resins, and flooring and insulating materials, amongst others.

Moving on to these as analogies used by Christ.

3. THE CHRISTIAN ANALOGY 

Speaking to His disciples, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke the following words, recorded by Matthew, one of His disciples and a former tax collector:

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.”

Why salt, you may ask? 

So, let’s briefly consider some important uses and benefits of salt in the activities of man.

Salt is used as a catalyst in chemical processes.

Historically, salt has been used for flavoring as well as for preserving food. It is used in one form or the other in different chemical processes, e.g. cooking food, tanning leather, dyeing and bleaching clothes, making pottery, soaps, chlorine and other products, as it is widely used in the chemical industry. 

Salt also has several major health benefits. 

Warm salt water is often recommended for its soothing and therapeutic effects as it can help with digestion, respiratory issues and stress reduction.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of salt can also help reduce congestion, sanitize, and open the airways. This treatment is used to relieve the symptoms of allergies, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the common cold. 

Scientific studies indicate that the human body requires a small amount of sodium (an element of the compound known as common salt, NaCl) for vital functions of the body, such as to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain the proper balance of water and minerals.

Now, Christ continued with His speech:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Meaning, as luminaries we are to bring light to all.

Then, He concluded with this pivotal statement:

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.”

Here is where we get to the climax of this piece:

4. THE MEAT OF THE MESSAGE

Observe keenly that He was referring to our works or actions as “good deeds” or “good works”.

Emphasis on the word: “good”.

Notice again that He clearly stated the actual goal, objective or purpose of these activities to be: “that men may praise or glorify the Father”.

Thus, it must be clearly noted that: the goal of Believers’ good works of being luminaries and catalysts in society is not necessarily to be ‘celebrated by men’ but to “bring glory to God”.

This is very critical. This is the defining moment.

We are not called to draw attention to ourselves.

We are not called to be “celebrities” per se.

We are called to illuminate society with truth.

We are called to stimulate change in people.

Our light and impact should have this intention.

Our activities must seek to fulfill this purpose.

It must point men to see, know, love, and extol God.

God is in the business of raising catalysts who are salt of the earth not celebrities who are stars of the empires.

We are in the business of raising the consciousness of men to acknowledge and magnify God as great.

Like lighthouses stationed in dark terrains.

Like effective components in insipid ecosystems.

This could be through thought-provoking words and actions that inspire or ignite salvation, spiritual life, personal transformation, growth, mind/thought renewal and positive change in human beings.

We are salt of the earth and light of the world.

I pray that we will authentically pursue and fulfill this our God-ordained purpose on earth, amidst the present darkness of this world, in our lifetime, in our generation and for generations to come.

To the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Grace to us all.