Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Lately, I have seen a plethora of disparaging memes and derisive jibes on social media aimed at discrediting and mocking those of different backgrounds, those less fortunate, and anyone who does not align with the current political program. By being so bent on pushing our agenda, I fear that we are driving people away from the church rather than drawing them to it. Our pharisaical attitude has left people questioning the validity of our message.
“We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it” – Madeleine L’Engle, Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art.
God did not call us to carry a gavel but to shine His light in our circle of influence. He did not ask us to convict – only the Holy Spirit can do so – but to love people to the cross. He did not tell us to extol our virtues and morals as examples to admire and imitate but to live in such a way that we bring glory to our Father in heaven.
Prayer: Lord, help me extend grace to others, especially those who do not share my beliefs or convictions. May the light you placed within me shine brightly and bring glory to you. In your name I pay, Amen.
Thought: “Yes, let God be the judge. Your job today is to be a witness.” – Warren Wiersbe