Shine!

For Sunday, August 30, 2020. 

Matthew 5:16 NIV: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Followers of Jesus are adopted into the Holy Family and filled with the joy of the Lord! As a group, they tend to be much happier than those whose eternal destination is uncertain. In the Bible, light shines from goodness and evil lurks in darkness. Jesus is using that analogy, encouraging believers to let their light, their newfound joy, shine into the world! 

We wouldn’t light a lamp and then hide it under a basket! That wouldn’t make any sense! We can’t force people to be Christians; it’s a decision each of us must make for ourselves. Christianity grows by attracting others. They see our light shining, our joy, and want what we have! As friends of Jesus, we gladly share the Good News!

By the way, we don’t do our “good deeds” to get into heaven. Jesus has already reserved our place in the hereafter. We do good deeds out of gratitude for what Jesus did for us. 

So don’t be a ‘closet believer.’ Rather, let your light shine into the world and see what God will do with it! Many may find hope in seeing your shining light!

Blessings to all on this Sunday! 

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406