Let your light so shine...

Matthew 5:16 says "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Now the question on my mind today comes from the term good deeds. Good deeds, good works, different versions of the bible have different terms they use for it. It is easy to pick out a meaning as you see fit and believe you are shining out as a light to glorify your father in heaven. Today I see it as far beyond the daily works we do out in the open for men to see, not just the basic good doings in life but also what men see w hen they look at you. I look at some of the great men of old and when I think of them I try to write out what I remember about them, what I would like to learn from them.

Abraham: Was a great man in his time, did a lot of wonderful things I am sure, one of which was defeating an entire army with a handful of men, but the one thing we remember him for was his lifestyle, a life of faith.

Moses: When I think of Moses, I don't think of a man that parted waters, broke rocks or prayed for manna to fall from heaven, I see a man that was constantly interceding on behalf of the house of Israel, a humble man, a man who saw God, not the mighty works he did, but his everyday duties.

David: Was not as great a king as his son Solomon, but he is remembered for one thing that no other king of Israel has been remembered for since. He was a man after God's own heart.

Daniel: No doubt lived a good life, he did good deeds, no doubt, but what caused him to turn a nation around were not his good deeds, but his lifestyle, the very life he lived to diligently serve God.

Its not just enough to do good, because anyone can do good at any time. The sun shines on all men both good and evil, and both good and evil men would see a baby and smile. Any man with the right priorities would not lie, not steal, would obey all the laws of the land, but we are not living a life of laws and commandments, we are living a life of complete obedience and total surrender to God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A life like my Savior did, where the only bad thing men can say about you is that you love your Father and you are totally obedient to Him.

Romans 12:1-2 says
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

verse 9-18 also says
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.


The life you were, that you are no longer, the candle that was out, that is now on... That is your light,, not just the words you speak, but the proof that of a truth your life has changed. The putting off the old nature that was death and the putting on of the new nature that is life, not just life but your lifestyle. A lifestyle that speaks of change. A lifestyle that when people see, they can see the difference in you, not in some areas, but in all areas. Most of all they should see a willingness in you to stay changed stay different no matter the cost.
A light that men will see and glorify your Father in heaven, your life. Not so you get the praise, but so men can see God in you and thank Him for the change in your life. That men can see and know that indeed there is hope in this dark world. Your light...
A light shining not of morals, or laws, but of love, love for God and love for men.