Let it Shine

Have you ever dropped something really small?  So small that it’s hard to find it?  Just the other day, I dropped a small part of something we were trying to repair.  The part was so small that we could not see it – even though it was right in front of us.  What did we do?  We turned on all of the lights AND got a bright flashlight to shine more direct light across the floor as we searched for it.

In the Christian life, good deeds are comparable to a bright light.  Let’s look at the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes.  Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He says,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

It is important to note that no one is saved by doing good deeds.  Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly state, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

But the very next verse, Ephesians 2:10, clarifies the place of good works, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

We are not saved by works.  We are saved unto good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.  Think about that.  God has prepared good works for you to do.  As we do these good works, we have the opportunity to shine a light on the glory of God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Let your light shine (today!) before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven!