In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
To curtail petty theft, Soviet authorities put up guards around the factories to search the workers when they left. At one timber works in Leningrad, the guard knew the workers in the factory very well. The first evening, out came Pyotr Petrovich with a wheelbarrow and, in the wheelbarrow, a great bulky sack with a suspicious-looking object inside.
“Tip it out,” the guard said. So Pyotr did, and out came nothing but sawdust and shavings. He was allowed to put it all back again and go home. When the same thing happened every night of the week the guard became frustrated. Finally, his curiosity overcame his frustration.
“Petrovich,” he said, “I know you. Tell me what you’re smuggling out of here and I’ll let you go.”
“Wheelbarrows, my friend.”
Sometimes what’s most obvious in life takes time to realize, doesn’t it? The very same is true as you honor God with your life so that others will know Him. You can do good works faithfully for days, weeks, and even years before people say, “Tell me what you have because I want it!”
It’s then that these people are perfectly primed to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ – that He died for them, and they can have eternal life through faith. But it first takes Christians who will live faithfully, show Christ’s example, and admit when they fall short. So live each day to show God’s love through your good works and watch for opportunities to share His truth!
Prayer Challenge
Ask God to give you opportunities to share your faith after living it out through good works. Pray that He would remind you that you may be the only example of Jesus others see!
Questions for Thought
What are three things you can do this week to live out your faith in front of others?
Why do you think God calls us to faithfully obey Him – even if it feels like it’s not making a difference to anyone?