Better to Light One Candle

Many people have heard me talk about or write my comments about or from the Christophers. I was first introduced to the Christophers in my youth - I remember watching their television programs, and I especially remember being introduced to their motto, "It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." For decades now their mission has been to encourage people of all ages and from all walks of life to use their God-given talents to make a positive difference in the world.

One means used by the Christophers to encourage others to become Christ-bearers, “Christophers” in the most fundamental sense of the word, is through daily prayerful reflections entitled "Three Minutes a Day." These reflections, published in book format and on The Christophers' web site, daily encourage readers to look at one way in which they can bring positive and constructive values into the mainstream of life.

Today's "Three Minutes a Day" reflection from The Christophers:

Better to Light One Candle

The Christopher motto that “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness” means many things to many people. To business owners and managers it can be a reminder that they and their corporations can make a positive difference. Here are some ideas from the Woodstock Theological Center (TJL note: The Woodstock Theological Center is an independent research institute located at Georgetown University; their web site is http://woodstock.georgetown.edu/):

* Have a purpose and goals that serve the larger community.

* Be concerned about the impact of actions.

* Avoid deception and careless misrepresentation of facts.

* Keep commitments with competence and quality.

* Distribute burdens and benefits equally.

* Avoid improper influences or conflicts of interest and

        be loyal in executing managerial duties.

* Be fair, honest and reliable with individuals.

       Respect individual autonomy and privacy.

* Exercise care with tangible property, patents,

       confidential information and real estate.

Ethical corporations are a necessary pillar of an ethical society.


"Set an example." (Judith 8:24)

Prayer: Encourage owners, managers and employees of corporations to set an example of principled behavior, Wisdom. Thank you.