Moment of Meditation: Praise Your Good Works (Matthew 5:16)

2020-10-30

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may praise your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16) Praise Your Good Works As Christians we're instructed to be humble. The Bible says, "Humble yourselves" (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). This humility is to not look at ourselves. We strive to point others to Jesus. Not say, "What a good boy am I!" How are we supposed to understand Jesus' words here? The same way St. James understands them, "Show me...

"In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may praise your good works
and give glory to your Father in Heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)

Praise Your Good Works

As Christians we're instructed to be humble. The Bible says, "Humble yourselves" (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). This humility is to not look at ourselves. We strive to point others to Jesus. Not say, "What a good boy am I!"

How are we supposed to understand Jesus' words here? The same way St. James understands them, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith BY MY WORKS" (2:18). Our good works are not the foundation of our faith. Our good works are the product of our faith. They prove our faith. "So faith, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).

Dead faith cannot praise God. Dead faith cannot lead others to praise God. Dead faith has no light. Dead faith has no Jesus. No Jesus, no good works.

How do you humble yourself? You point to Jesus through your works. Your light shines by your faith in Him. Faith shown by good works. Good works that give glory to your heavenly Father. Give glory to Him today with your works. Amen.

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