“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.”

Matthew 5:16 ESV

The Apostle Paul wrote these strong words to the Colossians: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. (Colossians 3:5-6 ESV)

We may nod our heads in agreement with that – but we must stop and consider that Paul was talking to believers here! These people were saved, yet they still struggled with these earthly sins.

Honestly, so do many of us, and Christians have debated for millennia over just exactly where the line of grace is drawn. Are we free to sin since we have this wonderful gift of grace? Aren’t we saved by grace and not by works?

Paul answers decisively in Romans chapter 6, “…Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?  By no means!…” (Romans 6:1-2)

But what if we pull this question out of the paradigm of grace versus works?

Yes, we are covered by grace through faith – we are assured of it! We have this free gift, so should never boast of our works – but perhaps the real issue here is the glory of God. How do we live to be a light and point others to God?

We live in a time when people rationalize sin as “doing what makes me happy” or “just being myself.” However, we are not called upon to live this way, but to glorify God. 

Paul addressed this as well, “I have the right to do anything, you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV)

Instead of voluntarily entrapping ourselves in the very sins Jesus saved us from, we can live in freedom to the glory of God. There is no more powerful tool to point others to Him and sow seeds for the Kingdom of God.

When we let the Holy Spirit live in us and work though us, the product is fruit, a Biblical metaphor for God’s glory played out in this fallen world. Galatians 5:22-23 spells it out: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (ESV) These fruits provide a direct contrast to the sins Paul enumerated to the Colossians.

This follows perfectly upon the very words of Jesus, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)  

Lord, guard us from the sin that will entrap us, cheapen our salvation, and freeze out the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Help us to not confuse good works with the fruit of the Spirit… guide us to glorify You by this fruit and serve as a light that will lead others to You.