Let Your Light So Shine...

[Jedi4Yahweh]

Jesus said that we are to let our light shine so that others may see our good works and give glory to God.  Yet later in the next chapter he says that we are not to be like the hypocrites that do good works to be seen of men and says that we are to do our good works in private.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Mat 5:14-16 

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. - Mat 6:1-6 

What do you think are the differences is between the two commandments that Jesus taught about letting your light shine that they may see your good works and glorify God vs. Do not do good works to be seen of men, but do them in secret?   

[D. Adrien]

1 hour ago, Jedi4Yahweh said:

What do you think are the differences is between the two commandments that Jesus taught about letting your light shine that they may see your good works and glorify God vs. Do not do good works to be seen of men, but do them in secret?   

My understanding is it concerns attitude. Whatever the deed, there will always be the taint of sin nature attaching itself as a parasite upon a host. Does the deed or works emanate from ego or from the righteousness of the Holy Spirit? John 4:24, God is spirit and those who worship must worship Him in Spirit and truth. Knowing thyself is a prerequisite I suppose.

[Indentured Servant]

This difference is intent.

Are you doing it, as Scripture says, "in order to be seen," or are you simply more concerned about shining your light to even care if anyone is even watching?

Do we shine God's Light, or our own?

 

[Jedi4Yahweh]

17 hours ago, Indentured Servant said:

 

Do we shine God's Light, or our own?

 

According to Jesus he says "You are the light of the world" and "your light", but we could also say God has made us the light of the world and it is his light within us.

@D. Adrien I agree its our intent and motive that makes the difference.  Is this coming from selfish motives or from our heart towards God.  The hypocrites only want glory from man and that was their motive for doing good.  Our motive should be to glorify God and his kingdom.   When we preach the gospel, pray, help those in need, stand for truth and righteousness, etc...we must be aware of what our true motive is or we maybe like the hypocrites that only want to be glorified of man rather than God. I am pretty sure the hypocrites thought they were doing good for God and thought getting a little self glory was harmless.

Edited November 10, 2024 by Jedi4Yahweh

[missmuffet]

As born again Christians we are to let our lights shine before others. We can do this by having:

1.Compassion

2.Humility

3.Generosity

4.Forgiveness

5.Living a life that reflects our values of Jesus Christ

through our actions,words and attitudes.

6. Serving others

7. Sharing your faith openly.

We have the Holy Spirit of God within us. God empowers

and guides us to reflect the Glory of God.

 

 

[Neighbor]

On 11/9/2024 at 2:12 PM, Jedi4Yahweh said:

What do you think are the differences is between the two commandments that Jesus taught about letting your light shine that they may see your good works and glorify God vs. Do not do good works to be seen of men, but do them in secret?   

Two sides of the same coin. Others may see the results of good works which gives glory to God, while no one need see nor know of  monies gifted.

[Jedi4Yahweh]

8 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Two sides of the same coin. Others may see the results of good works which gives glory to God, while no one need see nor know of  monies gifted.

The best kindness most often involves no money.  Being kind, helpful, giving your time, your attention, praying, serving others, spending time with those that are sick, being a comfort to someone who had a death in their family, taking care of your elderly parents, providing someone a place to stay or a meal to eat, helping out your elderly neighbor mowing their lawn or shoveling snow off their sidewalks, helping someone with their car troubles, etc...   Yes, helping someone out financially is just one avenue and often the easier choice but there are so many others ways we should be loving our neighbor and our enemies.

[Neighbor]

4 hours ago, Jedi4Yahweh said:

 Yes, helping someone out financially is just one avenue and often the easier choice but there are so many others ways we should be loving our neighbor and our enemies.

Of course; that  is a "given".

[Cntrysner]

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 
Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 
Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It would seem these many were believers empowered by the Spirit yet were told I never knew you.

How is this reconciled with Mark 16:17?.....

Mar 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

 

[Jedi4Yahweh]

6 hours ago, Cntrysner said:

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 
Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 
Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It would seem these many were believers empowered by the Spirit yet were told I never knew you.

How is this reconciled with Mark 16:17?.....

Mar 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

 

The problem is not that believers are empowered to do these wonderful works, because clearly Jesus said these signs shall follow them that believe.  The problem is that they were workers of iniquity. 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - Mat 7:21-23   See below for the definition of iniquity.

For example Judas was empowered by Jesus to cast of devils, heal the sick, cleanse the leapers, and raise the dead, just like the other 12 disciples.  Yet Judas was an unrepentant thief and a betrayer.  He was a worker of iniquity.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. - Jhn 12:4-6 

Judas was stealing money that was collected for the poor...I wonder how many Minister's today are guilty this sin.  No wonder why he was willing to betray and lie about Jesus for money, because he was a thief and coveted money. Satan used his unrepentant lust for money as foothold to be betray the author of Life.

So what is iniquity:

The KJV translates Strong's G458 in the following manner: iniquity (12x), unrighteousness (1x), transgress the law (with G4160) (1x), transgression of the law (1x).

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
the condition of without law, because ignorant of it, because of violating it, contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
ἀνομία anomía, an-om-ee'-ah; from G459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness:—iniquity, × transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.

Like wise there will be many on Judgment day who proclaimed Jesus as Lord and did many wonderful things for God, yet they lived a double life of iniquity and secretly lived life contrary to God's commandments and teachings, but God is going say "Depart from me you workers of Iniquity".  They will say but Lord we had a ministry and did so many things in your name: We preached the gospel, gained many followers, donated to the poor, prayed for the sick, saw many wonderful miracles, we built a huge ministry, all in your name...but he will say depart from me you workers of iniquity (adultery, lying, theft, murder, idolatry, false gods, dishonorable to parents, coveters of money, etc...).  Similar to how the Scribes and Pharisees who outwardly appeared to be doing great & honorable things for God but inwardly they were corrupt, evil, and full of secret sins. 

Edited November 11, 2024 by Jedi4Yahweh