Let Your Light Shine (Good Works)

Matthew 5:14–16 CSB

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

The church is to be a light to the world. We are not to hide from speaking the truth. However, in this metaphor Jesus is not talking about preaching or teaching specifically. He is talking about action. And while preaching and teaching are good works for the edification of other believers, preaching and teaching do not necessarily shine a light to the world (unless an unbeliever happens to show up in church).

Notice the phrase “so they may see your good works.” We have this task while on this earth. Jesus has given each and every follower responsibility to live in such a way that good works abound and that they abound for the public to see. In order to be seen then the work here must be some tangible manifestation of goodness. What is “Good?” When we do something that is honorable, beautiful, kind, generous, friendly, pleasant, excellent, and the like then we are doing something good. It is this goodness that honors God and leads others to give glory to our Father in heaven.

Just to be clear these good works are not “works of the law.” Works of the law is man’s attempt to earn favor with God. It reduces the relationship with God to a mere transaction in which we do certain things and God returns the favor. These works of the law are completely inadequate to living a transformed life (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you do not have a relationship with God then you need to receive the good news message of Christ. Works of the law will not rescue you from mistakes, problems, and missing the mark.

If you have a personal relationship with Christ then good works are evidence that you are walking with Jesus and that you are His follower (Ephesians 2:10). These good works are commanded over and again throughout the Bible. Christians are to be known for their goodness.

It is sad to me that we often come up short in showing goodness to those around us. Often times we miss the mark due to poor attention to those around us. We also are so interested in our own agenda that we look at others in our lives as objects and not real people. This self-absorbed approach to life leads to a lack of goodness in our lives. We fail to demonstrate goodness toward others. In many ways the church has put it’s light under a basket. The light of good works is so infrequently celebrated that one begins to wonder whether the church is about the Lord’s work.

Not all is hopeless; I am thankful that there are individuals that are shining a light. They inspire me with kindness, generosity, encouragement, friendliness, and love. I think it is important to celebrate Christians that are shining the light of good works. This is not to glorify them, but rather to say what great glorious work God is doing in and through the lives of His followers. Faithful workers also point the way to restored hope of being the lampstand that God has called His churches to be (Revelation 2:5). May God restore our conviction to be a light; May we be diligent in good works; may God be glorified.

God Bless You

~BJ