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Matthew 5:14-16 – [Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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.”
There’s a reason I don’t have a fish sticker on my car. That’s because I think I’m a decent driver, yes—but I’m not so sure of my skill that I want to have the Name of Jesus associated with every last move I make when I’m on the freeway! I would rather have people yell at me than blame God for my screw-ups.
But it’s different when I’m in the city after hours, helping refugees fill out paperwork, or dealing with doctors and schools on their behalf. Then I want people to know who it is who’s spending the time and effort to make their lives easier—because it certainly isn’t me! Left to my own devices, I’d be home playing on my computer. But the Holy Spirit has called my family to care for the Vietnamese immigrants of our city, whether that’s through church work, social work, or paperwork. God does it because He loves those people; I do it because I love Him.
And when that kind of thing goes on long enough, there will be people who ask you in all seriousness: “Why are you doing this?” Our answer to the Vietnamese has always been: “Jesus sent us to you. Would you like to know more about Him?” It’s how the Vietnamese church here got born. If it’s a doctor or policeman asking us, our answer is the same: “We do this because Christ sent us to do it. Is there anything else we can do to help?” And some of them, too, may become interested in a God who actually cares about their lives and work, and come to faith.
You too are a child of God, with the Holy Spirit living in you. That light cannot be hidden. How will you answer those who ask you, “Why did you help me?”
WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, live in me and through me, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
- At what times in your life do you most want people to associate what you’re doing with Jesus?
- Are there times you’d prefer to go unnoticed? When?
- What do you say to people who ask you why you did something they consider good but unusual?
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