"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NKJV
The pop group 10cc, in the 70's, had a track on one of their albums called 'I wanna rule the world'. The main verse went:
'I wanna be a boss, I want to be a big boss,
I want to boss the world around, I wanna be
the biggest boss that ever bossed the world around'
Lol Creme, Kevin Godly and Graham Gouldman
Not the most ideal of words to be singing but, over the years, some people have taken on this mentality in their attempts to rule the world. Hitler was one of them. Even Satan, as Lucifer, tried to be equal with God and no doubt, would have attempted a takeover bid, giving half the chance. This type of behaviour will never win on a permanent basis. To be a light in this world, following the Light of the world - Jesus, is the only way. People do not need dictators, they need love and Jesus offers this through each one of us.
Jesus, being the Light of the world, expects His followers to be lights too (John 8:12). There should never be such a thing as a private Christian; you are a light to every one you meet in this world of ours. Would you consider yourself to be a light to your family, acquaintances or workmates? Then, what about your community, do you stand out shining your light, or is the light hidden? To hide the light is contradictory to its purpose - 'let your light so shine' v16.
There is 'good works' and there are 'good things' that people do. So what does Jesus mean by 'good works'? Good works are connected to kingdom work, 'For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them' Ephesians 2:10. Understand this, 'good things' are what non-believers do in this world. If God is in something, then they are called 'good works,' - He gets the credit. If not, it is just a 'good thing'. There is a big difference.
You may feel that the world needs changing. There is a lot going on in the media at present with climate change and such. We obviously can all help in this area, but perhaps the most important of agendas are people. This world will end one day when Jesus returns to take His church. There are many who do not understand about Jesus and they need to before it is too late. Be a light to them by letting them see Jesus in you!
Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
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