Not So Much What I Do, But Why I Do It

In review of Matthew 5:16 it says, “Let your light so shine before man, that they may see your good works and glorify you Father in heaven.”

Bottom Line:

Shine in all you do. Let others see Him in all you do.

What this means to me:

Let the light I have been given shine in all I do. Let it be an example that will make those around me help see and praise the Heavenly Father.

Today’s passage in Matthew 15 comes from a section where Jesus is teaching about salt and light. He tells me that I am the salt of the earth. However, what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can it be made salty again? No, it would be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

Therefore am the light of the world. Much like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead a lamp is place where it can give light to those around it. So, in the same way, let my good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise my heavenly father.

If I make no effort to affect the world around me, I am of little value to God. If I am too much like the world, then I'm worthless. I should not blend in with everyone else. Instead, I should affect others positively, just a seasoning brings out the best flavor in food.

If I live for Christ, I will glow like a light, showing others what Christ is like. I hide my light by:

. being quiet when I should speak

. going along with the crowd

. denying the light

. letting sin dim my light

. not explaining my light to others

. ignoring the needs of others

Rather, I should be a beacon of truth and not shut my light off from the rest of the world.

One secret of success is to do what you know how to do! God gave me (each of us) a talent. If I use my talent and become the best at that one thing, I’ll find success!  And it is His desire that I experience success in every area of my life.

But while enjoying success, I need to keep in mind that God doesn’t just look at what I do; He looks at why I do it. Everything I say and do should be for His glory, not for mine. When I glorify God, I shine the light on the Kingdom, not on myself. Then people will be drawn to God, wanting to know more about Him.

I am blessed so that I can be a blessing! Great success can be mine if I will focus on doing one thing and doing it to the very best of my ability. Aim high and never given in to self-doubt. God want me to be a shining beacon of His love to those around you, representing Him by doing all things with excellence.

He created me to bring Him glory. Today I will consider what I’m doing with my time and talents that glorifies the King.