January 11

Matthew 5:13-20 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

14 "You are the light of the world…16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven… 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Observation

Like salt should be salty and lamp should shine, Christians ought to fulfill their function and be true Christians. Christians should shine their light before others that even non-Christians will see the good works and give praise to God. In order for others to give glory to God, the good work must be in some sense “out of this world” or deeply moving that non-Christians will be touched and think about God and give credit to Him. That requires Christians to not only do the good work but with great heart. Scribes and Pharisees were known for obeying the law but without heart but we should fully obey God’s words and with all our heart. Good works done with great love and sacrifice are often the ones that encourage and inspire people to seek something greater than ourselves.

Application

In order for people to give glory to God because of my good works, I have to be humble and become less so Jesus can become more in my life. It might be in some sense easier to do good works but not that effective if not done with right attitude and posture. The right heart comes from good character. I can only do this by filling my mind with God’s word daily and continually confessing my sins and surrendering my will to His through prayer.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me how to serve and do good works in the right way. Would you help me to look to you who have set an example by loving us so much? Would you help me to love more like you? Would you fill my character with the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control? I fall short all the time but help me not to give up trying by listening to your voice daily. Pray more people will come to know you and somehow I will fulfill my purpose you had in mind for me.

--Kristy Bae