Scripture (KJV) – Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Reflection
There is a difference between telling people we are Christians and living in such a way that they can see Christ in us.
Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men.” He did not tell us to hide our faith or reserve Christianity for Sunday morning. Our relationship with Christ should affect the way we live everywhere we go.
People are watching more than we sometimes realize.
Our family sees how we behave at home. Our coworkers see how we respond when things go wrong. The cashier at the store notices whether we are patient or rude. Our neighbors see how we treat people. Even those who may never enter a church can encounter something of Christ through the life of a believer.
But notice what Jesus said should happen when our light shines: “they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The purpose is not to draw attention to ourselves.
We are not supposed to say, “Look how good I am.” Our lives should cause people to say, “There is something different about that person.”
That difference should point them toward Jesus Christ.
Sometimes witnessing begins before we ever quote a verse. It begins when someone sees patience where they expected anger, forgiveness where they expected revenge, generosity where they expected selfishness, and hope where they expected despair.
Then, when the opportunity comes to tell them why we are different, we can point them to Christ.
This world desperately needs the Gospel. There are people all around us who are lost and headed into eternity without Jesus Christ. Some of them may never walk into our church, but they may cross our path tomorrow.
What will they see?
We cannot save anyone. Only Jesus Christ can save. But we can live in such a way that our lives point people toward the Savior.
A light does not have to make noise to be noticed. It simply has to shine.
Wherever God places you today, let somebody see Jesus through the way you live.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me through Jesus Christ and allowing me to represent Him in this world. Help my life shine in a way that brings glory to You. Let people see Christ in my words, my attitude, my kindness, my patience, and the way I treat others. Forgive me for the times my actions have not matched the faith I profess. Give me opportunities to share the Gospel with those who are lost, and give me courage when those opportunities come. May my life never draw attention to myself, but always point others toward Jesus Christ and the salvation found in Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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