Good Work without a Camera
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV
Jesus tells His disciples to let their light shine. He also warns in Matthew 6 about doing good works to be admired. Those teachings fit together when we pay attention to the purpose of the work.
Helping a teacher clean a classroom is good. Making sure everybody sees how helpful you are can turn the same job into a search for praise. The difference often shows up when there is no audience. A person who wants to serve still picks up the scattered books.
You do not have to hide every kind action. Other people may notice, and you can accept a thank-you graciously. Remember where the credit belongs. God gives the ability, the opportunity, and the command to love your neighbor. Let your work help someone, and let your words point toward Him. Light makes things easier to see. It does not need to announce itself every few seconds.
Bring the truth into your day
Jesus connects visible good works with glory to the Father. That gives a useful guide for serving. Help because the person needs help, and let your conduct agree with what you say about God. You do not have to turn every kind act into a post or a story about yourself. Quiet faithfulness can be plainly visible to the people it serves, even when no wider audience hears about it.
Keep the passage in context
Jesus tells His disciples to let their good works point others to the Father. The purpose is God's glory, not attention for the person doing the work.
Read further: Matthew 5 in the King James Bible.