Do Not Be Ashamedಮಾದರಿ

Do not put God to shame by your behavior

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

God is not ashamed to be called our God. This is a great privilege for us believers, but it also brings a responsibility, both on the individual level and as a church community. Others will watch our lives if they know we are Christians. They will notice whether our lives are in line with our words, and whether we “live a life worthy of the calling we have received” (Ephesians 4:1). If not, “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of us” (Romans 2:24).

If, on the other hand, we do “good works” in line with the Gospel we share, this gives our words credibility and gives people reason to glorify our heavenly Father. If our lives are characterized by love, faith and hope, this is a testimony of God’s transforming and healing power at work in us. Then God is honored by our lives.

Peter even goes one step further when he says that the good way we live as followers of Christ, will put those people to shame who say bad things about us (1 Peter 3:16).

What do non-Christians “see” when they watch your life?