Text: Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Further Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 NKJV
MESSAGE
The world is not waiting for a new definition of Christianity but for men who will truly live like Christ. We must all agree that we have lived below the new testament standard of love, faith, purity, and power.
Christianity has lost its worth and value today because men who profess Christ’s life live like devils. Some years back while serving God as a missionary in South India, it became increasingly difficult for Christians to get accommodations in the area. Then the young native fellow with me spoke of the days when the Christians are highly respected because they live differently, but now they are not.
This according to him was because there is no more difference between the Christians and the Hindus. The Hindus smoke and so do the Christians, and so on…”.
Is that not a terrible indictment? That we who ought to open the door to others to come into Christ were stumbling blocks ourselves. Are we not become like the Pharisees who would not go into heaven yet prevent others from entering (Matthew 23:13).
The early disciples and Christians lived such a life that made unbelievers drawn to the faith. Who can forget that bold witness of Stephen in the face of death and its impression on the heart of Saul and later Paul (Read Acts 7)?
Throughout church history, souls have been added to the faith because of the life and discipline of the believers. They carefully looked at the early followers of Christ and called them Christians I.e. little Christ (Acts 11:26).
Can men see Christ in you? Do you stand firm for the gospel even in the face of persecution? How much do you show love to the needy and people around you? Do you walk by faith or by sight?
A believer indeed is a great soul winner, by his lifestyle and conduct, many are drawn to Christ. You must be one at all costs.
REFLECTION
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13 NKJV
Let me see the beauty of Christ in you so that through you His name might be glorified.
PRAYER
Father, please let the light of Christ shine forth in me and let many come to the light of the gospel through me.
