“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Welcome to the 35th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we discussed the significance of intentionality, discipline, focus and rest in doing good works as believers. We also learned to be good examples in our speech.
We started the week on Monday with a lesson on intentional good works. We can do good works by preaching the gospel (Ephesians 2: 10), being kind to everyone just like Tabitha (Matthew 25:31-36, Acts 9: 36), and doing things that glorify God such as living peaceably with all men (Titus 2: 11-12). Good work requires effort. So, we ought to let our lights shine by carefully maintaining good works (Titus 3: 8, Matthew 5: 16).
Tuesday’s article reminded us that purposeful living requires discipline. We must build discipline in our prayer lives as Jesus did and as he instructed His disciples. Prayer aligns us with God’s will (Matthew 26:39). We must also diligently study the Word of God so that we can rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15). To stay disciplined, we ought to set up structures and surround ourselves with the right people that can hold us accountable.
On Wednesday, we learned to guard our hearts against distractions and to focus on God and His assignment for us (Philippians 3: 13-14). Noah is an example of a man who, despite the challenges and mockery, was laser-focused on His God-given assignment (Genesis 6). To stay focused, we must meditate on God’s word (Joshua 1:8), surround ourselves with like-minded people like Daniel and the three Hebrew men did (Daniel 1: 8-21), and prioritise God above all else.
On Thursday, we discussed the importance of rest. Rest is vital for our physical and mental health. God and Jesus emphasised the importance of rest (Exodus 20: 8-10, Mark 6:31), and we should embrace it as a gift. Rest is not only something you do after work, but also something you do to help you do a better job. Rest allows your body and mind to recharge and be more productive. We should follow God’s example and rest (Genesis 2: 1-3).
Friday’s article taught us to be examples in our speech (1 Timothy 4:12). As believers, our words carry power. Therefore, we must be careful to speak life-giving words to others (Ephesians 4:29), realising that how we speak influences our brethren, negatively or positively. Words have the power to shape lives. Through intentionality and yielding to God’s Spirit (Philippians 2:13), we can be examples in our responses and utterances at all times.
As believers, we are saved unto good works, and we must be careful to do our God-given assignment the right way – intentionally, diligently, mindfully and in a healthy manner. When we do so, we let our light shine.
Have a lovely weekend!
Bible Reading Plan: Psalms 134, 146-150