It's Because I'm a Christian

Imagine that you saw someone putting groceries into the back of their car on a hot day. The person was older and seemed tired already, even though their cart was still mostly full. With a smile and a kind word, you offered, and they accepted your help. The task was finished much more quickly with both of you working together, and afterward they asked you, “Why did you stop to help me?” What would your answer be? If you’re a Christian, the answer is easy: “I helped you because I’m a Christian.”

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus compared His followers to salt that makes food taste better. He also said they were the light of the world, and that they should not hide their light. In John 9:5, Jesus said of Himself, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” Jesus meant that He dedicated Himself to doing the works of His Father because He was His Son (John 5:19). Every Christian is a child of God, and our Father has good works He would like us to do (Eph. 2:10). When we do those good works, we light up the world! And as long as we are in the world, it should be our goal, as it was Christ’s, to be lights in the world.

But where does your light shine? What path are you illuminating by your good deeds done on earth? Who is glorified? Jesus told His followers in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” When Jesus saw a blind man in John 9, He saw an opportunity to glorify the Father. Make it plain to all that you do good because you are a Christian, a child of your Father in Heaven. While you are in the world, light the path that leads to Him through Jesus Christ.