like father like daughter

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

I read this verse this morning and God really spoke to me about this. Taking God out of this picture heres his message to me. Children take on characteristics of their parents. Sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes its a bad thing. For me, my dad is a super caring guy, willing to go out of his way for others. I think i got that from him, im always willing to help people without thinking that i need something in return. My mother is subborn as all hell. She doesnt take any crap from people and is pretty set in her ways. I think i have this in me too. I am extremely subborn. sometimes it is a little negative.

ok back on track. When you meet a good kid, you normally look to the parents and give them praise for rearing such a wonderful child. if the child is bad, you look to the parents and think, "man they need to learn how to disipline their kid". as good kids, we try to behave well when we are around our parents company (or at least i do).

ok now God. When people see us, they see nice people or mean people. If it is known that you are of God and that you know God as your father in heaven, they are going to see your Father through you. they are going to see how God reared you. If we are truely from him, we will bear characteristics of him. And his company is his creation.

The kids right now are at youth camp, and yesterday a lady gave noel a compliment about the kids. they were at bowers mansion swimming and the lady came up and started talking to noel, curious as to why they were there with so many kids. Noel told her it was youth camp for our church, and the lady said "I knew you guys were from church! Those kids are sooo nice to eachother, and others, well behaved and no cursing or anything!!" This is what Matthew 5:16 is talking about. Good deeds, can be, being nice to others, or not cursing. and when that lady complimented the kids like that she was giving glory to God. Whether she knew it or not. I dont think either that the kids were trying to be good. maybe to a certain extent. but i know these kids pretty well. they are good kids. they behave, it is habit for them to be good. and for just playing at a public pool, and playing, they brought glory to God, and God rejoiced in them.

it makes me wonder how i bring glory to God. I hope that i too, can be a light to God's way. in everything i do. When im working, when im playing geetar, when im riding my dirtbike, when im out at my country bar, when im just hanging out with friends, at a house, or at a party. My prayer is that my actions and my heart bring praise to my Father in heaven.