Day 5: You are the Light of the World

"You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:14-16)

At times I find it difficult when discussing the issue of good works and why we do them. However this text in Matthew does make it quite clear.

Firstly, we do not do good works to earn salvation. Salvation is entirely a gift of grace which we accept through faith.

Secondly, we do good works because we are saved. Good works are a fruit of our faith. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, so we can know our faith because of it's fruits.

Thirdly, we do good works out of thankfulness. Christ has paid the ultimate price for our sins. Through the sacrifice of His life, we may have life in Him. Our deliverance from sin has nothing to do with whether we are any better than others, or because we have less sin. For all have sinned and fall short daily, however, God, in His sovereign good pleasure has chosen you and me. Isn't that wonderful? And so we must show our thankfulness for this, striving to please God in all that we do. It's for this reason that we do good works.

And lastly, we do good works so that God's holy name may be glorified. We are lights in this dark world of sin, and if we so shine as a true light then our light will have an effect on those around us. If we shine as lights, and our good works testify to this, then others will see them and will be drawn to the light. They, because of the works that they see in us, will glorify our Father in heaven. How great that is!

So lets shine as true lights. Let us do good works out of thankfulness, and not for praise from men. Let us life our lives to His honour and glory in ALL that we do.