1 Kings 7:50

Snuffers.

Snuffers

(Children’s service):--You smile at such a text, and no wonder! But snuffers were very useful in the temple; they kept the lights trim and bright.

1. Now you see what snuffers are for; they are for making a dull light shine brighter. When the candle has been burning for some time it seems to get dull and drowsy, then “snap” go the snuffers, and the light gets bright! There are snuffers which do that for boys and girls, and men and women, too, for that matter. There was that sum you worked out on your slate. It was all wrong. What did the master do? Rub it all out. That was the snap of the snuffers. It made you brighter; you took more care over your sums next time. You see these men lopping the trees? Why do they do that? To make them bear more fruit. The trees are the better for the sharp snuffers--and so are you. Never be discouraged.

2. Sometimes you are the snuffers. There’s your little brother, for instance, he isn’t half so wise as you, and sometimes he makes mistakes. Put him right; but take care how you use the snuffers. If you use them carelessly you may put out the light altogether. What I mean is this--you may so discourage him that he won’t have any heart to try to do better. Therefore, use the snuffers gently. Don’t call him “stupid,” or ridicule him. Remember, God wants your light to shine that others may get blessing by it; so you must expect Him now and again to trim it. By one way or other He tries to trim our light that it may shine the brighter. Think of this when any trouble comes: God wants to make use of it to make you braver, better, purer. (J. Reid Howatt.).