23/12/2021 - OUR GOOD WORKS

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 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5.16

We should be concerned about our good works, and take the time and strength to bring those works into existence. They were prepared for us beforehand by God, in order to justify our lives (Ephesians 2.10; Titus 2.14). The Gospel delights us, for Jesus said: he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also (John 14.12). This is the best thing that could happen to us, after we experience salvation. Thanks be to God for His immense love!

When we hear from God about the quality of our works, we must reject any attempt of the devil to put doubt in our hearts concerning them, because the Lord would never lie. The testimonies of the Most High about us delight us, making us dream like children and giving us the necessary vigor to face any diabolical plague that tries to destroy the divine plan for mankind. Let us be faithful in everything!

Jesus said: You are the light of the world (Matthew 5.14-16). This statement makes us so happy that we can’t believe it, because we are surrounded by temptations and often give in to them. But soon the Holy Spirit comes and convinces us of our error. Then we make a sincere confession and we are forgiven and restored to full communion with God (1 John 1.9). Only those who do not believe in the Bible remain fallen. Now, all its content has the purpose of restoring us to the Lord!

God guarantees that we are like a city built on a hill, something impossible to hide (Matthew 5.14b). Likewise, we must believe that we will never be prevented from shining before men. Divine love embarrasses us and leads us to live closer to the Father. To refuse the impetus of faith that He gives us is to fail to experience the power that enables us to perform – the same works done by the Savior in His days on Earth.

When they see our light shining, people will understand that we are different because we don’t allow the devil to dominate us, although he uses temptations to make them look like the work of God. Now, the assistance of the Holy Spirit gives us the assurance that we will not fall into the evil´s snares. Seeing the enemy coming against us, like a flood of water, the Holy Spirit raises His banner against him. Thus, the adversary is shamed and the trick is undone. Hallelujah!

The secret is to shine before men. To do so, we need to confess the eternal Word of God and reject the will of the evil one. Then our good works will speak about us everywhere, without our saying anything. The Lord Himself will say what is necessary for everyone to acknowledge us as His servants. God expects more from us, for whoever has, to him more will be given (Matthew 13.12). Be faithful in what you have been given, and you will get more!

When they see that we do only good, those who surround us with lies – proposals sent from hell – will try to stay away from us, because the fire burns the devil when he comes near (Zechariah 2.5). The Father will be glorified and seen by all as the Author of change in our lives. We are Jacob, and there is no sorcery against us (Numbers 23.23)!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares