“In the same way (as a lit lamp), let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
If we are honest with ourselves, we would admit that more often than not, we are very self-focused. As we go shopping, we’re focused on finding the items we need or want. We shop oblivious to those around us. At the restaurant our faces are buried in the menu seeking what we want to eat to satisfy our hunger. (Yes, I too, get hangry!) There is a reason Jesus began His word on discipleship with: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23
As Christ followers wherever we go and whatever we are doing, we must keep in mind we are ambassadors for Christ. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world.” Mt. 5:13-14 He did not say just when you want to be or only when you are thinking about it. He meant that we are always to be the light and salt wherever we go. The Apostle Paul reaffirmed this when writing to the church in Colossae; “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Col 3:17
That’s what Jesus had in mind when He commanded; “Let your light shine before others.” We are each to keep an outward focus, realizing it’s not all about me! I often say, Watch for God!
What I mean by that is watch for God opportunities. Whether we are going to the store, the bank, a restaurant, or even to the hospital for surgery, we need to realize we are not there just for ourselves. We are on mission for the Lord Jesus. We have the confidence that our salvation is secure, our reservation in heaven has been confirmed. We have a divine hope. But for many with whom we come in contact this is not the case. They do not have this hope. They are often downcast and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Allowing the Spirit to guide our path we should keep our spiritual antennas alert for divine appointments. Opportunities to encourage, to show care, concern or pray for someone in distress. There are needs all around us if we are attentive.
Here is my point: Our smile, our positive attitude, our patience, our sincere concern for those around us, wherever we are is the way we “let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our father in heaven.”
The best Christian witness we can be is simply to BE ONE! To love others as Christ loved us.
Blessed by you….Bro. Sherman
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