You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. [Matthew 5:14-16 NIV]
Again Jesus makes an amazing declaration about his followers. He does not say that He is the light that shines from within us. He says that we are the light. A few thoughts:
- God created that light within us. He gave us a new shining regenerated heart (i.e. innermost being) when we were born again.
- Jesus says that we are not to hide this light. We are not to suppress the workings of our heart. We are to live from our new heart and not from our head (i.e. flesh).
- People notice when we live from our heart because we act differently. Love emanates from our new heart and God is glorified as we love others.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
Our Pastor preached a message Sunday on Doing Good Deeds. I think letting our light shine in a dark world, words of kindness, even a smile, a word of encouragement, a cup of cold water...all express the light inside you refer too.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts again, Bob.. I'm enjoying these posts.