February 13, 2019
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Hypocrite! It is one of the most hurtful and demeaning words that can be spoken to a follower of Christ. We can endure such insults as “uneducated, unintelligent, believer of fairytales!” We can stand strong when people tell us we are weak and unable to deal with the real world. But when we are labeled a hypocrite, it cuts to the core of who we are…and it should. The world’s expectation for us to live out what it is we say we believe is not unwarranted. Jesus expected the same thing.
Mother Teresa would say in her prayers, “Let us preach you without preaching.” When we have put our faith in Jesus Christ for eternal Salvation, it must make a difference in our lives; our actions must be in line with our new position in Christ (James 2:14-20). So as you pray for open minds and softened hearts among those you wish to share the Gospel with, never forget to pray for the strength to truly display the holy life that Christ has already accomplished for you. Pray that your good works would be much greater than simply the accomplishments of a nice person, and would instead shine the incredible light of Christ to the glory of God our Father.
Heavenly Father, the world needs to see you in our works, and not only hear you in our words. Give us power equal to this task. Let us preach you even when we don’t say a word.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon
