Shine Out for All to See

“…let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
(Jesus in Matthew 5:16NLT)

Our lives should preach good sermons. According to the book Life of Francis d’Assisi, Fancis once invited a young monk to join him on a trip to town to preach. Honored to be given the invitation, the monk readily accepted.

All day long he and Francis walked through the streets, byways, and alleys, and even into the suburbs. They rubbed shoulders with hundreds of people. At the day’s end, the two headed back home. Not even once had Francis addressed a crowd, nor had he talked to anyone about the gospel. Greatly disappointed, his young companion said,

“I thought we were going to town to preach.”

Francis responded,

“My son, we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We were seen by many and our behavior was closely watched. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere we walk!”

My words helps my neighbor to hear the Gospel,
but “My life helps to paint my neighbor’s picture of God.” (Peter Holmes)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.