Picking up the theme of the light of the world, Rev. Sang Ho Bae continued his expository work on the Gospel of Matthew by highlighting the Christian calling to let their lives reflect Christ so that every good work points people to glorify God rather than themselves.
After Jesus declared to His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount that they are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14), He then said:
Let your light shine before others in such a way that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
This means that the good deeds of Christians are not merely moral acts of kindness but must be a life that reveals the glory of God. Therefore, the core of a believer’s life is always the glory of God. When believers fulfill their role as salt and light in the world, God receives glory.
The life of Jesus was directed toward the glory of God from beginning to end. The angels who announced His birth proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14). Jesus came to reveal the glory of God. He stated the purpose of His ministry:
He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true (John 7:18).
Those who witnessed Jesus’ miracles and teachings naturally gave glory to God:
They were all amazed and glorified God… ‘We have never seen anything like this’(Mark 2:12).
Even the death of Jesus revealed the glory of God. The centurion standing by the cross confessed, “Surely this man was righteous” (Luke 23:47), giving glory to God. The entire life of Jesus can be summarized in one sentence: “From His birth to His death, Jesus lived solely for the glory of God.”
Believers also are those who have received the same calling. The Bible says, ‘You were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body’ (1 Cor. 6:20), and 'Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God’ (1 Cor. 10:31). The first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism summarizes this theologically: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” The purpose of human existence is to give glory to God. Therefore, a life that departs from this is a life that has deviated from its original purpose. When a believer lives in a way unworthy of a believer, it is not merely a moral failure but a serious matter that obscures the glory of God.
A life that gives glory to God is a life that reveals God, and thus believers must acknowledge God in all things. Joseph, when introducing his sons to his father Jacob, said, ‘These are the sons whom God has given me here’ (Gen. 48:9), and he also acknowledged God in his rise to prime minister, saying, ‘God has made me lord of all Egypt’ (Gen. 45:9). Abraham, David, Daniel, and all the figures in Scripture did not attribute their success to their own ability. They acknowledged God in everything and gave glory to Him. Early Korean Christians also practiced this faith in their daily lives. Whenever they experienced joyful events—birthdays, college admissions, employment, and marriage—they offered thanksgiving offerings and gave glory to God. This was an expression of faith confessing, “All of this is the grace God has given.”
The Lord also says that when we display good works, God receives glory. People of the world see the invisible God through the lives of believers. Depending on the conduct of Christians, the glory of God may be hidden or revealed. Good works are not merely “kindness” but the fruit of a life that flows from the knowledge and fear of God. Honesty, faithfulness, forgiveness, mercy, sacrifice, and love for the weak all become channels that reveal God. Conversely, greed, falsehood, anger, injustice, and selfishness dishonor God’s name and obscure the light of the gospel.
Throughout history, there have been countless examples of God’s glory being revealed through good works. Early Christians did not flee during outbreaks of disease but cared for their sick neighbors, showing the love of Christ. William Wilberforce devoted his entire life to the abolition of slavery, revealing God’s justice and compassion to the world. Early Korean Christians upheld honesty, helped their neighbors, and dedicated themselves to education and medical ministry, giving glory to God.
The apostle Paul confessed the purpose of his life in this way:
That Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (Phil. 1:20).
A life in which Christ is exalted—this is the purpose given to us today as well. A life that lifts up Christ is the most valuable, the most beautiful, and the most fitting life for a believer. When our words, deeds, attitudes, and even the small moments of daily life reveal God, we truly live as ‘the light of the world.’
As I reflect on Jesus’ words, “Let your light shine before others,” I am reminded that my life is not meant to point to myself but to God. Every good work, every act of faithfulness, and even the ordinary moments of my day are opportunities to reveal His glory. This challenges me to examine my motives. Do I act for recognition, or do I live so that others may see God at work in me?
The life of Jesus humbles me. From His birth to His death, everything He did was for the glory of the Father. If Christ Himself lived this way, how much more should I, who was bought with a price, seek to glorify God in all that I do? My words, attitudes, and actions either make God’s grace visible or hide it from those around me.
This passage calls me to a deeper awareness of God’s presence in my daily life. When I acknowledge that every blessing, success, and strength comes from Him, my heart learns gratitude instead of pride. I pray that my life, whether in small acts of kindness or quiet obedience, will reflect Christ so that others may not see me but give glory to my Father in heaven.
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