Mattew 5:14-16

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Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

Observation: We call ourselves Christians... we identify ourselves with God Almighty... and everything we do reflects on Him. Time wouldn't suffice to tell of the instructions God's word gives us about the manner in which we should live our lives, and in all of those instructions, there is a common theme - choose good and not evil. Let your light shine! Let men see your good works, and reflect that glory to the Father.

Application:  I had a great conversation with a sister in Christ recently about compliments... Now, I hate to be complimented, and because of my dislike for praise, I made a very poor choice that God dealt with in a very humbling way. And as I was telling her about this experience, she pointed out to me that I needed to learn how to deflect the compliments to God. It is for His glory that I am making the choices I make and doing the things I am doing - I want Him to get the glory, but by not being willing to let my light shine publicly, by hiding my light and my good works, I am also robbing God of the glory that I personally should be giving Him.We claim to be Christians, and our attitude, actions, thoughts and reactions can either bring God glory and honor and lead others closer to Him, or it can bring dishonor and shame and push others father away. I am making the choice to let my light so shine before me, that they may see my good works and glorify my Father which is in heaven.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for the lessons You teach, the corrections You give and the forgiveness You offer. Without Your grace, Lord, I hate to even think where my life would be. Thank you for dealing my heart and showing me a better way. Thank you for that sister in Christ and her wisdom. Lord, please help me to put aside my discomfort and to honor you with not only my heart, but my actions and words as well. Help me Lord, to let my light shine brightly as it reflects Your glory. Help my life to point others to You and Your free gift of salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.