"Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven."
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16
A little girl was afraid to sleep in her dark room alone. So, her mother bought a night lamp. It was a plastic figure of a doll with a light within it. The light could shine through the doll at night to drive away the child's fear of darkness. It illustrates the way God works in His children. The light of His goodness shines through us, as He does good works through us. Our heavenly Father is glorified because He works in us both to will and do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
The Bible is clear that we are not saved by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our relationship with God is based upon grace through faith. When we understand that salvation itself is the work of God's Spirit in our hearts, then we understand that He receives all the glory for saving us (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14). It's always to the praise of His glory.
After we begin a faith relationship with God, He continues to work in us to glorify Himself. Our good works originate in the goodness of God, as He uses us to glorify His name. These are works that others may see. How is God working in and through your life? He gives us desires and abilities to glorify Him by serving others. When God prompts your mind and heart to serve in any way, cooperate with His guidance. Do all the good things that He puts in your heart. It will bring joy and fulfillment, knowing that God is working through you.
The Bible is clear that we are not saved by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our relationship with God is based upon grace through faith. When we understand that salvation itself is the work of God's Spirit in our hearts, then we understand that He receives all the glory for saving us (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14). It's always to the praise of His glory.
After we begin a faith relationship with God, He continues to work in us to glorify Himself. Our good works originate in the goodness of God, as He uses us to glorify His name. These are works that others may see. How is God working in and through your life? He gives us desires and abilities to glorify Him by serving others. When God prompts your mind and heart to serve in any way, cooperate with His guidance. Do all the good things that He puts in your heart. It will bring joy and fulfillment, knowing that God is working through you.
Father, work in us both to will and to do of Your good pleasure through Christ. Amen.
