What does this verse mean to you?
"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven."
Matthew 5:16
To me it means that you should use your gifts that God has blessed you with, but not to forget who gave them to you.
What do you think?
Thank you!
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2007-11-05 11:36:40 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with you. Let me add this ... A key thought in both the pictures of salt and light is distinction. Salt is needed because the world is rotting and decaying and if our Christianity is also rotting and decaying, it won’t be any good. Light is needed because the world is in darkness, and if our Christianity imitates the darkness, we have nothing to show the world.
2007-11-05 11:43:13 · answer #1 · answered by thundercatt9 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read it in light of these verses:
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Basically, as a Christian, it is Christ whose life and character should shine through me. This is seen in all I say, do, think and the way I act. This is a very basic, to the point answer that I know could be greatly debated. Anyway, hope you have a wonderful night.
2007-11-05 11:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by passmanjames 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It can include using the gifts that God gave you, because you would if you were following this verse, however, the main meaning is that we are to allow the light of Christ shine through us , and live our lives in a manner that pleases Him, so that God will be glorified. When we allow His light to shine through us, others see Jesus.
2007-11-05 12:11:40 · answer #3 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm with you on that. A lot of people think that it means that we should share our faith which I agree we should, but that ignores the part about good works, and if we share our faith without good works, all we are going to do is drive people away. I think it goes beyond that, though, too. In John 14:12 Jesus tells us that we should be doing the same works that he did. That means that we should be healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, casting out devils and raising the dead. If we were doing that, I believe that our light would shine.
2007-11-05 11:53:00 · answer #4 · answered by Caveman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not about gifts. It is about living a Christ-like life. A truly Christ-like lifestyle will be one full of good works. Others will see your example and will want to know what you have. Letting your light shine is your witness. Note that good works are the kind of works Jesus did -- mistering to the poor, healing the sick, witnessing to everyone concerning His Father in Heaven.
2007-11-05 11:40:28 · answer #5 · answered by ♫DaveC♪♫ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey you...ok, well..for me...it means; God wants us to be a light in the darkness, a beacon in the storm..he wants us to stand out in the midst of everyone else, because we belong to Him, he has given us gifts to use in different ways, and when we use our talents for His purposes, then we glorify Him and His Kingdom...it can be just giving a neighbor a hand or making a meal for someone who's sick or even a smile & a kind word to a stranger, that is what Jesus did and He would like us to do the same...when we do things for others, it's doing it for Christ...that glorifes Him. Then we are shining His light in a dark world...wow, sounds like I actually know what I'm talking about....I hope I do. â¥
thanks for the question.. ! â¥
2007-11-05 13:03:21 · answer #6 · answered by Forever 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it means use the gifts God has given you so that other people will see what a difference He's made in your life. Seeing that difference in a Christian could be what leads other people to God.
2007-11-05 11:40:50 · answer #7 · answered by Lamborama 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For me it means this: God gives a joy so bright that it leaves your countenance aglow. When others see that joy, they will wonder what it is, where it comes from, and why you are always so? This is the opportune time to glorify God with your response.
2007-11-05 11:45:14 · answer #8 · answered by Semp-listic! 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it means to be happy and let that light shine.
2007-11-05 11:43:15 · answer #9 · answered by annilou 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it means that we're supposed to be an example. We're supposed to let our entire life be a testament to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
But I like your interpretation too.
2007-11-05 11:40:43 · answer #10 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋