Yesterday I saw an unusual sight for our neck of the woods. An Amish buggy pulled by a sharp looking bay horse was trotting down a road near the house. It was one of those moments when you stop and try to make sure you're really seeing what you're seeing. I haven't seen any Amish since leaving New York ten years ago.The horse and buggy was out of place. If I'd seen a guy in a cowboy hat astride a horse of any color, I wouldn't have given it a second thought. That's a pretty common sight. The horse and buggy were out of the ordinary.
That little incident made me think about these verses from Matthew 5:
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Although it's popular for Christians to blend in with the culture and not make any waves, that's contrary to Scripture. Jesus says our good deeds should stand out, shine, make a difference in the world around us. They should be so extraordinary that they point directly to the Heavenly Father. Really? That's exactly what the Bible says. Why would that be so important?
It's unusual. Just like the Amish horse and buggy. A life filled with consistent good deeds in the face of rude, mean, and ugly behavior from others stands out. Whether it's a kind response to a rude person or getting a meal for the homeless guy on the street or....you name it. Most of us know the good things we should be doing, but sadly don't act. Those deeds are points of light that direct the recipient to your Heavenly Father. Without them the world is darker still.
Our relationship with Jesus has nothing to do with our works earning salvation.
Ephesian 2:8,9 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
But good works should prove who we belong to. People aren't always going to applaud you for those good works, nor is doing the right thing popular. However that isn't the Christian's focus or concern. It's not to make others look bad or draw attention to ourselves. James, the brother of Jesus said this:
If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel--no! I'm gonna let it shine!
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| Photo by Christian Homekeeper |
That little incident made me think about these verses from Matthew 5:
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Although it's popular for Christians to blend in with the culture and not make any waves, that's contrary to Scripture. Jesus says our good deeds should stand out, shine, make a difference in the world around us. They should be so extraordinary that they point directly to the Heavenly Father. Really? That's exactly what the Bible says. Why would that be so important?
It's unusual. Just like the Amish horse and buggy. A life filled with consistent good deeds in the face of rude, mean, and ugly behavior from others stands out. Whether it's a kind response to a rude person or getting a meal for the homeless guy on the street or....you name it. Most of us know the good things we should be doing, but sadly don't act. Those deeds are points of light that direct the recipient to your Heavenly Father. Without them the world is darker still.
Our relationship with Jesus has nothing to do with our works earning salvation.
Ephesian 2:8,9 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
But good works should prove who we belong to. People aren't always going to applaud you for those good works, nor is doing the right thing popular. However that isn't the Christian's focus or concern. It's not to make others look bad or draw attention to ourselves. James, the brother of Jesus said this:
If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel--no! I'm gonna let it shine!
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