Devotional for 1.17.2012 - Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
                                                                               (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

George MacDonald asked the question, "if religion one thing and daily life another" for you?  We are called to let our light shine in such a way that points people to God in heaven and not his people on earth. But if our outward shining does not match our inward reality, then we live in a state of hypocrisy which will eventually turn people away from God instead of leading them to him.

It is most important to have a regular time of prayer and testing of your actions, words, and motives.  Pray that God would through the Holy Spirit point out anything that may be preventing you from being the person you were created to be.  Our true light of Christ shines through the soul whose inward brightness cannot be contained.  Don't worry about creating a false shine.  Create a life that is in harmony with God's purposes and your light will shine so brightly it will be impossible to miss it.

Psalm 51 is a great pray for us who seek to be light in the dark world?

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
                                                (Psalm 51:10-12 ESV)