Bible Passage: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
For many men, words don’t come easy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be a witness for Jesus.
Recently, I was at our local mall visiting a friend as she operated her table during a community craft sale. Eventually, it came time to close down.
Since she is a good friend, I, of course, offered to help pack up. As we worked, she chatted with a lady at the next table who was by herself and walked with a cane, so it was a no-brainer that we would offer to help her, too.
But what I couldn’t see was what was in this lady’s heart.
As my friend introduced me to her, I was described as a friend, husband, father, and pastor.
It was this last word that caught the lady’s attention, and very quickly she shared about how she’d had bad experiences in the past with pastors who were not nice people and always looked down on others.
My friend was so gracious to her, and her heart went out to her. But it was what my friend said next that caught me. She told this stranger I was a pastor who was “down to earth” and relational. This softened the lady’s heart, and the three of us were able to chat and laugh as we cleaned up her supplies.
In 1 Peter 2:12, our “fisher of men” author Peter tells us to pick up our rod of good deeds so that others will see Jesus in us.
And where did he get this idea from?
His Teacher.
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus tells His followers they are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” That means He is calling us to go out and do something that will make a difference for others.
It may be helping a stranger, volunteering in the community, using your business in a way to quietly bless a family in need, visiting somebody in the hospital, or simply smiling at someone.
And what’s cool about this is that not only does Jesus promise to be with us, but He has actually arranged for these opportunities to happen for you (see Ephesians 2:10).
So, grab your rod of good works and bless those around you, and let those works point others to Jesus. You never know what God will do in people’s hearts that only He can.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to see the opportunities You have prepared for me. Then give me the courage to follow You into them. Amen.
Reflection: Ask Jesus to open your eyes to the opportunities He has prepared all around you, and be faithful to take a step into them today. You might be surprised how many there are!
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