LIGHT FOR THOSE IN DARKNESS
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”— Matt. 5:16
Throughout life the most common question is “Why?”, but when we get older, and hard of hearing it changes to “What?”, or “Huh?” – meaning “What did you say?” Obviously it’s important that we understand one another. But we need to remember that “actions speak louder than words.” We often hear and use that phrase, but seldom do we make a personal application. I fear we fail more than we would like to admit. As Christians we ought to know better, and do better. Our words and our ways, our beliefs and our behavior ought to coincide. Our manner of life is sending a message to others. And what they think does make a difference.
The same Bible that assures us that we aren’t saved by good works also tells us that salvation is to be accompanied by good works. They are the consequence rather than the cause. The sad thing is that many are not troubled in the slightest by their absence. That is cause for alarm.
Godliness should be the goal for every Christian. Character counts with Christ. If we expect to hear Him say “Well done” we must do well. That demands faithfulness – not only to doctrine, but duty as well. But some how we’ve lost sight of what Christianity ought to look like in everyday life. I’m talking about how we conduct ourselves at home, on the job, and in social circles. If we are to convince others that we have the real thing when we assemble on Sunday we must practice what we profess every day of the week and under all circumstances. Otherwise we send mixed signals and come up short. In fact we sometimes make the glorious gospel repulsive to others when we fail to practice what we profess.
If our desire, like Balaam’s , is to “die the death of the righteous” we ought to live under the rule of our Redeemer. That is sure to get the attention of those who are strangers to God’s saving grace. And getting their attention is the first step toward their acceptance of the gospel. We can’t help them unless they hear us, and nothing speaks so powerfully as a Christ-like life. “Let your light so shine”!- HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
