Daily Devotion, February 1, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:14-16.

When I read this passage, I am almost always reminded that Jesus says in the Gospel of John that he is the light of the world. So I invariably read this Matthew passage again, just to be sure I am reading it correctly. At this point early in his earthly ministry, Jesus had begun to gather around him a group of followers and learners referred to as disciples. It was to them, as he taught them in his Sermon on the Mount, that Jesus clearly says, “You are the light of the world.” Those of us who claim to be followers and learners of Christ are growing as his disciples, so this teaching is meant for us too.

In other passages, Jesus would make it clear that we are never to do good things in order to draw attention to and credit for ourselves. But here, he tells us to let the light of our good deeds be seen by others. Is there conflict here? Only on the surface! We are called to reflect the light of Christ by loving others in ways that others will see and notice and “glorify your Father in heaven.” I love it when a church member does something, and the recipient says, “What an awesome church!” The only thing better is when they say, “What an awesome God, who loves and cares for me!”

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for people who have been the light of Christ in your world. Think about how things they said or did helped you to see God’s presence in them. The best way to honor and thank them is to do likewise. Go about your day being the light of someone’s world.