Christian Living

Someone Is Watching

by Rev. Dr. R.J. Lightsey 
11/10/15
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Someone Is Watching

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

 Have you ever caught someone staring at you? If so, how did it make you feel? Did you wonder why they were staring or what it was about you that was so interesting or so “out of place?” Regardless, they obviously saw something about you that peaked their interest for a moment or/and caused them to devote a certain amount of attention to you.  

 Well this scenario reminds me of what Christ spoke in Matthew 5:14-16 as He taught His disciples. He said they were the “light of the world,” and as such, they could not be hidden. Their life was an open book for the entire world to see and the world was watching. He encouraged and challenged them to let their light shine so that others would see their good deeds and, as a result, bring glory to the Father in heaven.

 There are two (2) points I want to make about the challenge we (as disciples) have from our Savior. First, the deeds others see us perform should be good deeds. Yes, we are to perform or carry out good deeds (works).  

 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us in advance to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

  Yes, God has prepared certain works/deeds, for us to perform while we occupy on this earth. He has given each believer some specific work orders to carry out that are tailor-made especially for that believer. All that we do, we should do for the glory of God. That is, that He might receive the honor, the adoration, and the praise. It is by bringing attention to the Father that we remain humble. We should not seek to bring the focus to ourselves “by” what we are doing, but to God “through” what we are doing.

 Secondly, while being in position for others to see us, it is most important that they see the Christ in us. Yes, our Light (the Christ in us) should sign so brightly and clearly that nothing we say or do should bring a reproach (blame, discredit) to the family of God. We should constantly walk and talk with Christ-like morals and values – keeping holiness in the forefront of all we do.