WEDNESDAY: Motivations and Intentions

Jan 18, 2023
1 min read

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

Jesus calls us the light of the world, so clearly, we were made to shine. Doing good deeds is part of God’s purpose for His people. But I see more than an instruction to do good deeds in this verse. It compels me to assess the motivation and intentions behind the good deeds that I do.

Am I doing good, so others will think highly of me? Am I willing to be anonymous? Do I feel let down if people don’t acknowledge and praise my goodness? Or do I recognize that any goodness in me is from God Himself, because I am made in His image? Am I not just content but actually eager for Him to be the one to receive the praise?

My good works should cause people to praise our heavenly Father, whom Jesus describes as the only One who is truly good. And He sees and delights in who you are as you shine!

May the light of Jesus in you shine brightly to the glory of God!

May you be blessed,

Cindy Larscheid