14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:14-16
How do you know if you are growing spiritually? Is it seen in the length of your prayer times? Is it in the peace that you carry as you walk through the world? Jesus says that the fruit of following him will be that you will do good deeds that will point people to God.
The best way to think of the way of Jesus is like breath. There is a rhythm to it. You breathe in grace and comfort from God and you breath out righteousness. You breathe in forgiveness and you breathe out peace. If you breathe in too much, you will suffocate. If you breathe out too much you will asphyxiate. However, if you get the rhythm right you will be healthy and full of life.
Jesus says that these people will shine. However, their shining will not be an indescribable glow, or a charismatic personality. They will be people who are actively doing good things in the world around them. It is our charity that makes us shine. These good deeds will show people how to love others and encounter God.
The word charity literally means to love with no expectation of return. There are plenty of people who will take from others without a moment’s thought. However, followers of Jesus are reversing the polarity of the world. Life for them does not flow inwards, always hungry, always needing more, always wanting attention. It flows outwards, always kind, always generous, always wanting to bless. They will shine like lights in the darkness.
It is easy to aim for justice. When everyone gets what they deserve. This is the goal of a fair society. However, Jesus points us towards grace, when people get more than they deserve. God gives us his Kingdom, so that we can bless others.
