Light in Small Deeds

“In the same way let your  light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify  your Father  in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

With all the bad news we read and hear about in the  nation today, it may begin to seem that there’s a dearth of good deeds, but good deeds do  occur, and opportunities for doing  them  abound.   Christ’s followers are noted for their good works, a large amount of it being done in groups or as part of an organization. In times of disaster, church groups join together and work tirelessly in community efforts to help the hurting victims. The people who do this work have good motives; they  get  great satisfaction  from working alongside others, shining their light for others to see.

But when it comes to shining alone, many Christians are hesitant; they make excuses. They may say,  “I’m not the demonstrative type,” or they feel they shouldn’t let their left hand know what their right hand  does, as the saying goes. Then, too, they may feel that going out and doing good deeds all by themselves is a bit showy, and everyone knows that Christians should be humble. Also, they may  fall back on their  shyness,  which prevents them from  approaching  others easily. But Jesus’ injunction in our focus text is not directed  at groups so much as it is to His individual follower. He knows the path to happiness and tells us to  do the shining ourselves, to give “the cup of cold water to a child” in His name (Matthew 10:42).  In other words, little acts matter, such as saying something positive  to someone who is lonely and is longing to hear a kind word, or giving  a warm smile to a stranger.  You can never tell how much light a small act may generate.  A song we used to sing at youth meetings says it well:

“Do not wait  until some deed of greatness  you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true;
Brighten the corner where you are.”

The big undertakings may  attract attention and  win praise, but  Jesus has a broader focus. He welcomes everyone who helps to build up His kingdom, so He   values the small acts that shine a light in the world and  glorify our Father in heaven.  You and I  are privileged to let even our little  light shine.

Always,

Judith

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“And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16