In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
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Being seen
A little further on in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says: be careful not to do your good deeds before people just to be seen. Here he says: let your light shine, so that people see the good you do. Is he contradicting himself?
The difference lies in who gets the glory. If you do good to be admired, you put yourself in God's place. True light points away from itself, to the Father in heaven. People see what you do, and think of God.
Question for today
Who gets the glory for the good I do?
Prayer
Father, you see even what no one else sees. Free me from the need for applause, so that the glory goes to you. Amen.
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