Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
When something nice is done for us, we often look for someone to thank for the good deed. Knowing who did something kind for us often shifts the way we see that person. We think “Wow, what a nice person!” or “She is so generous.” Our acts of service and love can communicate powerful messages to other people. At times our actions send a stronger message of how we feel about or see people. From our body language to the things we do, we are almost always communicating. God knew this when He designed us, and He knew we’d need help communicating to one another in a way that honors Him.
Christ followers love one another not from our own power but from the power of the Holy Spirit living within us. Jesus said in John 15:4-5, “Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” As you serve, you have to remain in the One who has made you new. When you do this, you reflect Him rather than build up a reputation for yourself as you love and serve others. As we remain in Him, the good works we do reflect and communicate the goodness of our Father in heaven. We show the world who He is, not just because we are nice when it is convenient but because we have been changed to see the world differently and love others even when its costly to us.
- What are some good works that could glorify God? Which of these are evident in your life? Do you tend to keep the glory for yourself or point back to God? Explain.
- How do you take time to remain in Christ in your everyday life? How does that change the way you see people and serve them?
- Pray and ask God to help all believers around the world remain in Him and do good works through Him that will glorify His name.
