Influence the world for good

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"By their deeds, the disciples are to influence the world for good."

This explanation in my Bible's footnote about verses 13-16 of Matthew Chapter 5 caused me to really think about who a disciple is and what they are called to do. 

I had a conversation with a neighbor years ago who dismissed the idea of faith by saying that she was just teaching her daughter to be a good person, implying that was enough.

Maybe you think this way, or you know someone who does, but being a good person (while commendable), is lacking, if your "goodness" is not built on solid ground and is disconnected from Jesus.

An easy reading of Matthew, Chapters 4 & 5, makes it pretty clear:

FIRST, Jesus called those who were to become his disciples, THEN he taught them what their mission was. He wasn't simply calling good people to follow him. He wasn't giving them instruction about how to be nice people.

They needed both a relationship with him, and his instruction.

So back to my footnote.

Every day, in every way, each of us is called to "influence the world for good" by our "deeds."

Whatever your deeds are, whether they include spending time with someone, writing a card, praying, serving the poor, teaching or some big sacrificial act, those deeds should add good to the world, but remember, their foundation comes from discipleship, not just from being a good person.

While God will bless all of our efforts, his greatest desire is that we are close to him, from whom we draw our understanding and strength.

Being good is okay, but the fullness of discipleship is so much more.

And one more thing, just to make you think even harder, "Who decides what good is, if you don't have Jesus?"

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy 

 

 

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