In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructed His followers to “let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Though we are not to be motivated by the lure of receiving praise from people for our own glory (see Matthew 6:1-18), Jesus does want His people to live in a way that is attractive, brings light to the world, and causes people to reflect positively on our God. Though we may feel that the many good deeds and expressions of mercy practiced by Christians...more