Jesus commanded us in Matthew 5:16 to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works. Why? So that our Father in heaven may be glorified.
We can say we love others and care for them, but when we are in their presence, how do we make them feel? Do they feel loved and cared for by us? Those we come in contact with will forget what we say, or what we do, but they seldom forget how we make them feel.
As the old Indian tale goes, we all have the similarities of two dog’s living within us. The one is loving and kind, and the other snaps and bites when provoked. So which one can those around us see? The one we feed and care for.
A friend in Michigan related how he likes to talk to young people, and close with this line. “I love you, and the best part is, there is nothing you can do about it.”
When Jesus gave His life for you and me, He said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” They had beat Him. They had spit upon Him. They mocked Him, degraded Him. Then they nailed Him on a cruel cross to die for the sins of the whole world. Can we forgive like that?
Jesus showed us the way to heaven, in stating the greatest commandment, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. Who is my neighbor? Who is a closer neighbor, than my spouse? When our children see us loving our spouse, this inspires them to love those whom they come in contact with at work, school, or play. This cycle of love continues onward and is far reaching.
In Life things can happen that gives us a distorted view of God, and hinders us from finding the true Light, in a relationship with Jesus Christ. As an earthly father, do I portray the light of Jesus in my relationships with my children? Is my love unconditional? Am I trustworthy? Am I forgiving? As a leader in the home, do I provide an emotionally secure environment?
When we do not experience this in our homes, our hearts may seek pleasures that soothe that lack inside and lead us into bondage of sin. But there is hope! There are counselors available to walk with us through all the darkness and connect us to the true vine – in a relationship with Jesus Christ. When that becomes our most prized possession, that light within can radiate into the world and draw others to the kingdom of God.
The core need God created within us is to be valued and loved for who we are, His workmanship. And the only true source of love is found in Jesus. When we become filled with the Holy Spirit, we find great comfort and joy in the Word of God.
Let our light shine with Jesus only! Those of us who were baptized upon our confession of faith, to serve Jesus Christ alone, what can you add to – only?
When the disciples asked Jesus about the end times, Jesus tells them in Matthew 24:4 “Take heed that no man deceive you.” The word of God is the only source of truth. When we pray for answers and help from the Holy Spirit, He will lead us to the light and TRUTH found only in Jesus Christ.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage”// Galatians 5:1
My Prayer – Lord, show me, me!
Henry Miller
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