In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things that you do and praise your Father in heaven. -- Matthew 5:16 (Good News Bible)

Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. -- Matthew 5:16 (The Message)

Something to Think About:

Have you ever heard someone say ‘she’s the spitting image of her mother’ or ‘he’s a chip off the old block’? It’s usually meant as a compliment. That is what Jesus meant when he shared this final thought about shining. He told his disciples that when they let their little lights shine folks would compliment God their Father. By the goodness they would bring to others, that is to say their love, their example of faith, the acts of kindness and goodwill people would give thanks and praise to God.

The world is in desperate need of good things. Generosity and hospitality are spiritual characteristics. Doing good for others is a beautiful way to shine. The Greek word used in this passage is kalos. It carries the meaning of a goodness that attracts; a beautiful goodness. It is possible to do the right thing but to do it in a way that isn’t attractive. Doing good in a cold or grumpy way isn’t beautiful. Jesus taught his friends that they were to shine with a beautiful light. That kind of goodness reflects the beauty of God. Shining like that prompts people to open up with God, our generous Father in heaven.

Reflect:

Read Matthew 25:31-40. Consider one way you might shine to those around you today.

Pray:

GOOD MORNING FATHER,

I WANT TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS NEW DAY.

THANK YOU FOR THE BEAUTIFUL LIGHT YOU PLACED IN ME.

WITH YOU BESIDE ME I’M READY TO LIGHT UP MY WORLD.

I LOVE YOU.

AMEN.