The Disciple And Good Deeds

As we read Matthew 5:16, we see the direct connection between letting our light shine and doing good works. In fact, it is through our good works that the world is able to see the light and love of Christ in us. It is for this important reason that Jesus made us unique through salvation.

Jesus redeemed “us from all iniquity,… [to] purify unto himself a… [unique] people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).

It is certainly important to share our faith with others. However, the command does not say, “Let your light so shine that men will hear your good words.” Actually, many people will not want to hear what we have to say until they see our works of love. This is why God makes good works such a priority for believers.

“These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8).
“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
“Whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (I Peter 2:12).

A good work is meeting a need in the life of another that will cause him or her to give glory to God.

This wise counsel, “Wherever you are, witness for Christ, and when necessary use words,” is based on the words found in I Peter 3:15: “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you.”

The Fisherman And His Bait

When we think of fishing, we tend to picture a fisherman with rod and reel. He is casting out his line with bait and hook. The bait is designed to look as close to the real thing as possible.

When the fish bite the bait, they are hooked and reeled in. Would this be a method that Jesus would use to draw people to the Gospel? Imagine the conflict and turmoil of such a “catch”! These “fish” were not drawn to the light but drawn to deceptive bait. They expected one thing and got another.

Paul understood the damage that results from using deceptive lures. He wrote, “We … have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (II Corinthians 4:1–2). The word deceitfully is translated from the Greek word doloo, which means “to adulterate for the sake of personal gain.” Mixing the Gospel with human traditions is an example of this adulteration.

John makes it very clear that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are not of the Father, but are of the world. Therefore, if we use things that are not of God to lure people to God, we are contradicting the very message we preach.

QUESTION: What methods; if any, have you employed to win others to Christ, that would qualify as deceptive bait?