Shine So Others See

"...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Let your light shine before others. These are the words of Jesus, the foundation of our faith. What does Jesus tell us to do here and why?

• Our life is to - Shine
• Why - So others see
• See what - Our good works
• To what purpose - So they may give glory to God

Pretty simple, isn't it? Yes and no.

With this little phrase, Jesus helps to define how we are to live with those around us. Does he say shine so that everyone will be in full agreement with you - no. Does he say shine so that everyone will vote the same way that you vote - no. Does he say shine so that we will be liked by all - no. Jesus says to shine so that others will have a chance to see what God's Kingdom is all about and will give glory to God.

In many ways, the 1st-century church had it much harder than we do. (Go look it up). But in other ways, they also had it a lot easier. In the 1st century, they didn't have to worry about their faith being tied up with a certain political party. They didn't have to worry about the freedoms that we enjoy. They had rulers that were considered gods and could do whatever they wanted with their empires. The early church stood out because what they did looked different than the culture around them.

Despite all of that trial and uncertainty, the early church was able to shine and greatly influence their local communities. We have ancient letters to prove it.

Emperor Julian  - “when it came about that the poor were neglected and overlooked by the [pagan] priests, then I think the Christians observed this fact and devoted themselves to philanthropy. [They] support not only their poor, but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us.”

Look at what this emperor says. We have poor people in our communities. We aren't taking care of all of their needs, and the Christians are stepping up and taking care of their people and our people and people are noticing!

I love the word that Emperor Julian uses to describe how the Christians are helping the poor. They are doing it through philanthropy.

When I think about philanthropy, I picture some of the great businessmen and women throughout the ages who have worked hard not only to build a business but to use that business to help the greater world. It usually comes through creativity and is expressed by a love for humanity.

I think that the modern church can learn from the early church and the best philanthropists in our world. Are we using creative methods to care for those suffering in our local communities?

I am currently part of a group that is looking at a video series Surprised by Hope, and in this series, a story was told about a church that purchased an old school building that wasn't being used in their town. The church didn't turn it into a "bigger church" but a factory where those with disabilities could come, work, and earn a living. The church saw an opportunity to celebrate the dignity of this group in need, and gave them a way to be a contributing part of their town.

What are some of the creative ways where a church can step in and provide opportunities to serve and invite people in who are sitting on the fringes of the community?

Let's be philanthropists in sharing the love of Jesus!