Devotion for Tuesday, March 26, 2024

“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Our Lord is making clear how this works.  You are not an exception.  We are all to do good works the Lord has prepared for us to walk in.  We are all to work at being like Christ.  Those works are to be evident.  Not boasted about, but evident.  You see, the focus of what you do should be done in such a way that when people thankfully look at you for what you have done, they look to the source of what is good in you, for the glory belongs to God.

It is said that if there is any goodness in me, do not give me any credit, but give it to the Holy Spirit who is in me.  What the Lord does and what I do is so mixed up in me, that I’ll make it simple and give all the credit to the Lord.  Too much?  I say that it is not enough.  What can I give the Lord that was not His first?  Instead, live in such a way that you seek to have the focus of attention be on the One who saved you.

Why do some say that our purpose is to glorify You?  Here it is.  Yet, I find that the real purpose here is to let You be glorified through me.  This way, the verb goes from me and is owned by You.  Lord, You must be the author of good deeds in my life.  I cannot do as I should, but You can, through me.  Be my grace and mercy.  Be my help and stay.  Be my guide and leading light.  Be the Savior that shines in and through me always, Lord Jesus.  Amen.