Wednesday Words of Encouragement

I Peter 2:12 ~

"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world."

Matthew 5:14-16 ~

"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

We live in such an individualistic society. It's all about doing your own thing. Living your life the way *you* want. Grabbing the American dream. Not letting anyone tell you what to do. Unfortunately this thinking has crept into the church and into believer's thinking.

Yet, according to God's word we do not live for ourselves. We are to be a light and an example to those around us. Those of us who profess to know Him and follow His way are here on this earth to be the compass that directs others to Him.

Much of the way we do that is through the way we conduct our daily affairs. Do your deeds and actions reflect the Lord? Can you say that the choices you make would cause others to see God's hand on your life? Do you speak and act in an exemplary way? When you are falsely accused of wrongdoing do you respond in a way that would allow people to see Christ?

So many times we don't realize that our words and actions either point people to Christ or away from Him. Strive to live your life in such a way that people will desire to know what it is that makes you different.

Shine your light for Him today!