New and Improved

Matthew 5: 14 - 16, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. NKJV

Would you knowingly buy a product that doesn't do what the manufacturer claims? Of course, you would not. It would be a waste of your time and resources. If a product doesn't deliver, it doesn't matter how many claims the manufacturer writes on its package, it won't be of any benefit to you. No one is in the market for just a pretty package. Generally, when a consumer buys a product that doesn't meet their needs, they return it for a refund. 

As disciples of Christ, we have to do more than just believe the Word of God; we must also live according to the Word. When we put action to our faith, then and only then, will we have the power to live the CHRIST-ian life. Until we ACT on God's Word, we are just like the pretty package that I referred to earlier. We will have the "image," but no substance or power to help anyone. The world knows "fake" when they see it. The lost are looking for someone who is real. They're looking for someone who can lead them to the truth by their example. Guess what? So is the Lord. 

If we don't or won't live by the truth, then how can we expect others to want it for their lives? Jesus tells us in His sermon that He wants us to live the Word so that others will see our "good works" and glorify the Father in heaven. Consequently, when we live the truth, the Word will cause us to become salt and light. Salt gives seasoning to your testimony and will make those who don't know Christ form a thirst for Him. Salt is also a preservative; therefore, when we live according to God's Word, it keeps us from the corruption of the flesh nature that spoils our influence with others. In other words, when we become salt, we are preserving our souls, so that we can live for God instead of ourselves. 

As we implement and obey God's Word, it causes us to become a "light" in a dark place, leading others to Christ, who is the LIGHT of the world. People will follow a Christian's example, if that believer is living according to Christ. Unbelievers will be drawn to Christ when we exemplify His nature and characteristics before them. 

I leave you today with this thought: Many "believers" feel that it's enough to "just believe" the Word and to claim salvation. However, the Apostle James deals very sternly with this belief in his epistle. In his letter, James asks us a very probing and thought-provoking question. 

James 2: 14 - 18, What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. NKJV 

We must add our obedience to God's Word and His will, if we want our faith to produce fruit in our lives and be an effective witness to others. If we don't obey, then we are like the product that makes great promises, but doesn't produce any results. Only when we choose to live the Word daily will we be able to bear fruit and influence others to want Christ. Therefore, let your light so shine "before others," that they will see your "good works" and glorify your heavenly Father today. I pray you have a blessed and fruitful day for the kingdom of God. 

All for the Glory of God,
Pastor Asa Dockery