SHINE!

Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

What would the church look like in our country (not to mention the world), if each congregation, rather than focusing on filling pews and meeting budgets and making sure everyone “inside the walls” was pleased – if instead we focused on doing good to every person the Lord puts in our lives?

What kind of CRAZY difference would we make if each Christian spent his/her life blessing others!?!

Life in this world is constantly tempting us to focus on ourselves and our own survival, and the church is not immune to such temptations. Nonetheless, the Word of God (who was made flesh and in whom we now live) just as constantly calls us back to join Him in His mission to SHINE.

Read the following verses ALOUD (unless you’re at work and embarrassed to do so, then at least “mouth” them):

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1Cor 10:24
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb 10:24
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Jam 3:13
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1Pe 2:12

Having been baptized in Christ, we have been born “into” the One who has come to love and do good to this world. He has done so (and continues to do so!) for us – and His mercies are new to us every morning (Lam. 3:23) – not because we deserve, but because He has come to serve!

What are some of the ways that you might serve, bless, or otherwise do good to the people around you? Make a quick list: five things; two; just one! However many!

Now list (though maybe don’t write this down) a few of the most UNdeserving people in your life.

What would you need in order to put the two of these together – your blessings and the undeserving people in your life?

Might you even pray for such an opportunity to arise within the next few days??? (hours??, NOW?)

Fear for your own survival in such a scenario? The Lord has this covered too:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

May the undeserved love of the LORD both FILL you and overflow from you that this love might indeed FILL all of creation!

Prayer: Only you, Lord Jesus, could love the world like you do. Bless me by doing so through me. In your holy name. Amen.