The Daily: Monday May 18, 2026

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." — Zechariah 4:6

The Light or the Bulb?

"What am I? Am I the bulb that carries the light, or am I the light of which the bulb is a vehicle?" — Joseph Campbell

Have you ever questioned whether you are putting too much into being the sole cause of all the positive in your life? There is an enormous difference between being a light and being a light bulb that has the ability to carry the light. Our society continually emphasizes the importance of being self made, self sufficient, and the origin of your own success. However, what if this is wrong?

Think about a light bulb. A light bulb's job isn't to produce electrical energy. Instead, it conducts electrical energy well. A light bulb does not attempt to create its own light. It just lets the electricity run through it. When we strive to be the source of our own power, intelligence, and goodness, we are similar to a light bulb trying to produce its own electricity. This is very tiring and also ultimately unsuccessful.

One of the greatest things we can realize is that we aren't supposed to be the source of anything. We are meant to be a conduit. Our talents, our skills, our capacity to give and help others -- these run through us (not from us). This is not about making us feel worse about ourselves or being humble when we don't need to be. This is about understanding and acknowledging that we were created to be conduits for something that is so much bigger than ourselves.

When we cease trying to produce our own light and instead concentrate on becoming the best conduit possible, many things begin to change. The stress goes away. The pushing to get somewhere becomes less stressful. Ironically, we will become more effective at doing whatever we do, not less effective.

Reflection Question
In what areas of your life are you trying to be the source of power rather than allowing divine strength to flow through you?

Prayer 
God, help me let go of the pressure of generating my own light and instead become a clear, willing conductor of your power and love. Teach me the freedom that comes from knowing I'm the bulb, not the source. Amen.