Matthew 5:16 ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’

DAILY READING – Romans 1:1-15; 1 Samuel 8; Psalm 54

One of the most amazing and significant facts of history is that within five centuries of its birth, Christianity won the professed allegiance of the overwhelming majority of the Roman Empire. Prior to the coming of the Church, the Roman empire was steeped in traditional pagan religions, which they defended fiercely. And when the early Church started, Rome unleashed wave after wave of persecutions to squash it and completely destroy the church. Yet, despite the persecutions the church only seemed to wax stronger and stronger.

It is indeed amazing that Christianity, a small, despised movement from a corner of Palestine could quickly dominate the mighty Roman Empire. Yet the Jesus-movement, in a relatively short period transformed into a major religion with millions of followers spread out from India in the east, Ethiopia in the south to Britain in the west. The amazing growth of the early church continues to be one of the most amazing phenomena in all of human history.

One of the powerful reasons for the church’s rapid growth was its practical show of love. The Gospel spread as neighbors saw the lives of the believers close-up, on a daily basis. Those opposed to Christianity were often won over as they saw the extraordinary lives of the early Christians, noting their amazing love for God and for their neighbors. Christians became known as those who cared for the sick. Many people experienced healing that resulted from their prayers. Early Christians were feeding the hungry and destitute in Rome every day. And through the loving service rendered to strangers by these believers, many came to the faith leading to the rapid advancement of Christianity.

Matthew 5:16 says ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’

Often times our actions speak much louder than our words. The Bible said Jesus went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God [Luke 8:1]. He was not only preaching it, He was also showing it.

As we preach with words, we are also to follow up with our actions. More than what you say, people are watching how you live. When people see us living in faith, holiness, purity, excellence and integrity, it can have a great impact on how they receive the Gospel we preach.

Unbelievers may not read the Bible but they’re reading our lives. They may never come to church but they are listening to the sermon our life is preaching daily. Your life is your pulpit. And the truth is that people believe a sermon that they see more than a sermon that they hear. Your example, more than your words, will draw men to Christ. When Jesus was on the earth, many times, He was among sinners, not to condemn them but to let His light shine in the darkness. When the religious people criticized Him, He told them it was the sick that needed a doctor, not the healthy.

There are many sick people in the world today. We only need to browse through the social media to see just how sick the world is becoming by the day. However these negative situations are only opportunities for us to shine the light of the Gospel. The darker the situation, the brighter we shine the love of Christ. Love never fails and light will always overcome darkness.

The Bible says we are the light of the world and light works best in the dark places. In the dark and negative environment of the world people need the light we carry. We need to take off judgmental glasses and let the light of God’s love shine on them. We need to be willing to overlook their flaws and rather show them mercy and love. We have to realize that the difference between them and us today is simply the mercy of God. Some of us were in worse states than them until God led someone to shine the light of Christ in our lives. And as we have obtained mercy let us also show mercy.

The early Christians shone the light of God’s love into the dark world around them and many were drawn to that light. Likewise today, as we shine the light of God’s love to those around us, many will be drawn to Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to live in a way that will reflect the truth of the Gospel I preach. May my light so shine before men that they may see my good works and glorify Your holy Name in Jesus Name.

Quote :

It takes a heart for God to make a mark in the sands of time. – WORDBITE 201.