April 18, 2021: SOAP #4154:  1Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

OBSERVATION:  This verse tells me how I am to live in the world where people who do not personally know God hear my words and see my actions.  (Note verse 14.)  I am not to hide my life in such a way that people will not recognize me as a Christian.  (Note verse 15.) 

APPLICATION: I should live my life in a way that people in the church give glory to God because of me.  But they should already be glorifying God.  They should not need my good works to glorify God.  They should be doing that already. 

If I am going to “let my light shine before men” then I must live, walk, and work where people can see me.  Living a daily life that honors God will cause light to shine in the world. 

Good questions for Leon:  How long does it take for a new acquaintance to see that I am a Christian?  According to my friends who see me every day, what priority does Jesus have in my life?  Have any of my acquaintances ever asked me about Jesus? 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, work in me so my words, my actions, and my attitudes help people see Jesus. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!