The Danger of Clinging to Our Blessings

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

We are mere vessels on this earth.  Whatever we receive from the Lord in good times or in bad times needs to be released into the world.  We will find that we are particularly effective in glorifying Our Father in heaven when our good works are evident during the times that we are under burdensome trials.   

Upon receiving His Living Water, we must share what we have received with the thirsty amongst us.  To dam up the outpouring that we receive can actually damage us.  The vessel that receives and receives without pouring out will eventually burst or at the very least, fill to the point of being unable to receive any more.  Then upon being filled without flow, the vessel will become stagnant.

Upon receiving His Light, we must let His Light flow through us to the darkness in the world around us.  Jesus taught that we are the light of the world and emphasized that no one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but places it on a stand so that all can share the light.  It is our responsibility to allow others to be exposed to the Light that is within us.

Even when we find ourselves in the darkest places, let us be sure to allow our light to shine before men.  Let us insure that the light of the Gospel and the knowledge of the mysteries of God's grace are openly declared and manifested in the world.  Let us be known for our zeal and our fervency, our sincerity and our openness and our integrity and our persistence even under trial.  Let us endure in our trials so that the Father is glorified in all that we do.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all the blessings that You pour into our lives.  We pray that You will protect us from clinging to our blessings to satisfy ourselves.  May we freely take our blessings, whether they be things of this world or portions from Your heavenly treasure, and pour them out before You.  May the Holy Spirit guide us so that our sacrifice and our works are suitable and pleasing to You.  May the world receive Your Light and Your Living Water through us.  May it be for Your glory.  We ask all these things in the precious, holy and mighty name of Jesus Christ.