Lights, Baskets, and Good Deeds

If you’re doing good things in order to be seen, you’re doing them for the wrong reason.

But if you’re doing good things, you will be seen.

“For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (1 John 3:20).

Spiritually, the world is a dark place that’s only getting darker. And a light in a dark room is impossible to miss.

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1, ESV), Jesus warns us. But that’s a question of motivation, not action.

Don’t do it to be seen.

That doesn’t mean don’t do it.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

A quote from the same sermon.

Your light cannot be hidden. It’s simply not possible. Nor should it be hidden. That’s not its purpose.

Our genuine desire to do what’s right—not because of who’s watching, but simply because it is right—will ultimately put the spotlight back on our Father in heaven. And that’s the goal. That’s why we refuse to hide under a basket.

Whatever good others see in us is ultimately a reflection of the good that exists within God. We do good deeds, we do the right things, not worrying about whether others will see us and what they’ll think of us—but hoping instead that they catch a glimpse of the goodness of God in action.

Hoping that our actions give them reason to glorify God.

The lamp isn’t really what’s important.

The light it carries is.

Until next time,
Jeremy