"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
We all know that Christians are supposed to let our light shine. Why? So that our Father in heaven may be glorified, but some times we unintentionally get hung up on the middle phrase of that verse...
"that they may see your good deeds"
I know, I know - none of us mean to do "good deeds" in order to garner praise for ourselves, but admit it...a pat on the back feels good, being recognized for what we do is encouraging. It adds to our self-worth...and that's the trap!
We are supposed to be shining the light so that others see God, not us.
The candle shines, not so that all eyes are drawn to it, but so that the room may be lighted for others.
A good way to stay on track is to remember Colossians 3:23...
" Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." (not for the approval or applause of others.)
On the flip-side of that coin, we, as Christians, should keep our eyes focused on God, not the lights (people) that He uses to lead us into a closer walk with Him.
Don't forget what happens to a bug when it is mesmerized by the flame?
So, while we respect and love our spiritual leaders, fixing our eyes on them as our source will only lead to dissappointment, while fixing our eyes on God will lead us into the light of His glorious love.
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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
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| Image courtesy, Chris, rgbstock.com |
"that they may see your good deeds"
I know, I know - none of us mean to do "good deeds" in order to garner praise for ourselves, but admit it...a pat on the back feels good, being recognized for what we do is encouraging. It adds to our self-worth...and that's the trap!
We are supposed to be shining the light so that others see God, not us.
The candle shines, not so that all eyes are drawn to it, but so that the room may be lighted for others.
A good way to stay on track is to remember Colossians 3:23...
" Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." (not for the approval or applause of others.)
On the flip-side of that coin, we, as Christians, should keep our eyes focused on God, not the lights (people) that He uses to lead us into a closer walk with Him.
Don't forget what happens to a bug when it is mesmerized by the flame?
So, while we respect and love our spiritual leaders, fixing our eyes on them as our source will only lead to dissappointment, while fixing our eyes on God will lead us into the light of His glorious love.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
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