Clearing the Mirror
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Thought:
Imagine your life as a mirror meant to reflect the beauty of Christ. Pride, bitterness, and self-righteousness are like cracks and smudges that distort the reflection. People looking at that mirror may think God is harsh or unapproachable because the image they see in you is twisted. On the other hand, humility, repentance, mercy, and grace act like a clean surface that allows the light of Christ to shine clearly. Jesus does not call us to shine so that people will glorify us. He calls us to live in such a way that when people see our good works, they glorify our Father in heaven.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want my life to be a clear reflection of Your character. Expose any pride, bitterness, or self-righteousness that is distorting Your image in me. Wash me with Your grace and renew my heart with Your love. Help me to live in such a way that when people see my good works, they will glorify You and not me. Let there be less of me and more of You in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Thought:
Imagine your life as a mirror meant to reflect the beauty of Christ. Pride, bitterness, and self-righteousness are like cracks and smudges that distort the reflection. People looking at that mirror may think God is harsh or unapproachable because the image they see in you is twisted. On the other hand, humility, repentance, mercy, and grace act like a clean surface that allows the light of Christ to shine clearly. Jesus does not call us to shine so that people will glorify us. He calls us to live in such a way that when people see our good works, they glorify our Father in heaven.
This means the goal of the Christian life is not to be admired, but to be transparent to His glory. When we confess our failures, ask for forgiveness, serve quietly, and show compassion to the undeserving, we are presenting a clean mirror, so that others can see more of Him and less of us. Today, consider where the mirror of your life may be cracked or clouded. Are there grudges you are holding or sins you are excusing? Ask the Lord to restore humility and tenderness in your heart. As He does, your life will shine with a light that points beyond you to the Savior who has changed you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want my life to be a clear reflection of Your character. Expose any pride, bitterness, or self-righteousness that is distorting Your image in me. Wash me with Your grace and renew my heart with Your love. Help me to live in such a way that when people see my good works, they will glorify You and not me. Let there be less of me and more of You in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Posted in More to the Sermon
Recent
Archive
2026
January
The Power of FaithPraying in the SpiritA Call to ReturnThe Burden of SilenceThe Act of CleansingBuilding Altars of RenewalThe Power of RepentanceLetting Go of the OldThe Challenge of SanctificationBurdens Left BehindGod’s Part, Our ResponseFreedom in ReleaseLifting Our Eyes to the True SourceThe Problem of Looking at Temporary SolutionsFinding Hope Amidst HopelessnessInterceding for Others and Drawing Near to GodEmbracing God’s Tests with FaithThe True Command in the Great CommissionIdentifying with Christ through BaptismTeaching and Growing in ChristBeing Present in God's WorkObedience Over Expectations
February
Unequally YokedA Door of HopeThe True Vine, Not Just a SymbolAbiding, Not Just BelievingPruned to Bear MoreConnected in Truth, Not Just in AppearanceMuch Fruit and Lasting JoyHelp From the SanctuaryRejoicing in Past SalvationConfidence in Present HelpTrusting God With the FutureStanding in Certain VictoryThe Question Behind Our QuestionsThe Two Anchors That Hold EverythingNails, Hooks, and the CrossLove as Our Vertical and Horizontal AnchorAnchored in the Storm, Not Managing the Waves
March
Receiving His Word, Not Just Hearing ItLove Proven by ObedienceLiving in the Father’s Loving FellowshipManifested LoveFrom Curiosity to CommunionOf God or Not Of God?Hearing With The HeartNew Heart, New EarsLove For Christ Shown In Love For His WordsIdentify Yourself By Your Response To The WordJesus Shows Us the FatherTrue Greatness is SubmissionJesus Sees as the Father SeesWhen Healing is Delayed, His Presence is NotThe Son Who Saves and SustainsThe Foundation of FaithWalking with God in a Dark WorldFaith That Follows When the Way Is UnclearGod Rewards Those Who Seek HimA Testimony That Pleases GodSeeing God's AppointmentWhat Are You Expecting Jesus To Be?
April
The Donkey and God's FaithfulnessKnowing the Word, but Missing the LordSeeing Jesus ClearlyWhen Peace Is GoneFig Leaves And False CoveringsHiding From The God We NeedGod Comes To Ruined HeartsSeeing People As God Sees ThemChrist Above AllLeaving the Old World BehindBearing the CrossCounting the CostTreasure, Heart, and True DiscipleshipNot Left As OrphansBecause He Lives, I LiveLoving Jesus Through ObedienceGod Makes His Home With UsNo More “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not”Guarding Against Spiritual CancerWe Belong To One BodyThe Power House Of The ChurchThe Nucleus Of The Heart
May
Heal And Build The BodyGod Is LightWalking In The LightFellowship Beyond Our ImaginationCleansed From All SinForgiven Beyond Our MemoryJesus Sees More Than Your ConditionThe Cause Or The CureSpiritual Blindness And The Need For LightObedience And The Touch Of JesusFrom Blindness To WorshipJoy Made Full in a Sanctified LifeKept While We RemainSet Apart by the TruthSanctified for Our SalvationJesus Prays for UsNot Of The World But Still In It
No Comments