Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

Click Here to Read Today’s Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

A couple of years ago, I began playing football with some Spanish-speaking guys at the football field in our neighborhood here in Belmopan. Football has always been one of my favorite sports, but this time I felt out of place because, though I knew they could speak English, the guys all spoke almost exclusively in Spanish except for an occasional “Pass the ball” or “Join my team, bally” to me. After a while, I took a brief break from football to concentrate on school and other engagements.

When I returned, the guys were still mostly speaking Spanish, but I could read the questioning surprise on their faces: “Where have you been?” During our game that day, I realized I was being called “Rudiger” as several of the players kept referring to me by that name. As we were leaving the field, I asked one of the guys why I was being called that name. He replied, “We’ve been watching you play, and most of us think you play just like Rudiger.”

Antonio Rudiger, who is a German professional footballer amongst the world’s best defensive players, is known for his aggressive style, skillful tackling ability, and impressive aerial maneuvers. These have shone throughout his career in various clubs such as Stuttgart Roma, Chelsea, and now Real Madrid.

Just as Rudiger’s footballing skills shine visibly and distinctively, helping him to rise to the pinnacle of world football, we as believers are to shine our lights. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  The attributes I showed on the football field were likened to those of Rudiger even when I was unaware that I was being noticed. In like manner, wherever we are and in whatever we do, let us always shine our light and let people see Christ in us. 

Reflect: Consider your private and public actions and conversations today. To what extent would you say they reflected Jesus?

Prayer Starter:

Father, I tend to fall short of my desire to honor You. Show me how to be more like Jesus each day so that your name may be glorified.

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