Why We Shine

READ

There are plenty of reasons to do good and serve others.

Many of us complete volunteer hours to satisfy school, work, or service organization requirements. Others—in our less virtuous moments—show kindness and generosity in hopes of gaining leverage in our relationships. And whether we admit it or not, most of us are motivated to do charitable things, at least in part, because doing so helps us feel like "good people."

But as followers of Christ, we are called to something deeper. We cannot love others merely to boost our self-esteem, earn the approval of others, or enhance our own reputation. Jesus invites us to listen, serve, give, and encourage for an entirely different reason.

Our motivation is singular and distinct: we let our light shine before others so that God might be glorified.

Take a moment to read Matthew 5:14-16, paying close attention to why Jesus says we ought to do good deeds before others:

"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

REFLECT

By God's grace, we all carry light within us. Every single one of us has the capacity to speak encouragement over those who are discouraged, serve those in need, and forgive those who have wronged us.

The question is not whether we are capable of shining light into a dark, hope-hungry world. The question is who we will choose to glorify when we do.

Will our acts of service draw attention to our own moral "goodness," or will they point others toward God's infinite grace?

We are empowered to love, give, serve, and encourage because Christ first loved us (1 John 4:19). His Holy Spirit is the force that prompts and enables us to surrender our time, energy, and resources for the good of others. The love expressed through us ultimately originates with Him—and He alone deserves the glory.

Ideally, we would always serve others solely for the glory of God and the good of His people. But the truth is, all of us carry mixed motivations at times.

Christ's intention is not for us to berate or condemn ourselves when we recognize selfishness in our hearts. Instead, He invites us to honestly examine what is driving our behavior and bring those motivations before Him. When we notice pride creeping in, we can ask God to purify our desires.

And He is faithful to do so!

Over time, God can refine the desires of our hearts so that we become increasingly concerned with making His name great rather than our own.

Because if our good works serve primarily to glorify us, their benefits will ultimately be temporary and fleeting. But if our charitable acts point others toward the God of salvation, the fruits of our labor will be priceless and eternal.

The bottom line is this: we do not shine so that others will be impressed by us.

We shine so that they might see the goodness of the God who dwells within us and find new life in Him.

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.

• What are your primary motivations for doing good and loving others?

• What might it look like to invite God to purify the why behind your actions?

REST

Take a moment to rest in God's presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:

Heavenly Father, thank You for placing Your light within me. Empower me to shine that light into the world so that Your name would be glorified and Your people would be blessed. Forgive me when I serve, love, and give with mixed or impure motivations. Make me willing to do good even when it costs me and no one notices. Help me love others sacrificially—not for my own benefit or recognition, but for the sake of Your kingdom. Correct and redirect me when I am tempted to do good simply to be seen. Remind me that everything good within me comes from You. Let my life continually point others back to You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today’s devotional.