“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
We spent 11 days thinking about what makes a good person and how to become a good person ourselves. It is important to be aware of this and develop good qualities. But there is also a lurking danger. Our striving to become a good person can turn into a ‘project’ that keeps circling around ourselves and our own development. It is beneficial to take a critical look at ourselves from time to time, but our gaze must above all remain focused on God. Ultimately, it is about Him, not us.
This focus on God is also mentioned in Matthew 5:16, the verse above this reflection. If we live a good life, other people will notice. The purpose, however, is not for them to praise us, but to “give glory to our Father who is in heaven.” In Jesus’ environment, there were people who purposely stood on the street corner praying so that other people would see how pious they were. They were using something good meant to God’s glory to improve their own image. The Lord Jesus despised that. Living virtuously is good, but not to boast about it. Our goal should be to honor God.
How can your life contribute to God’s glory?