Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
“For this is why the Master made you rich, that you may carry out these ministries for him. . . do not participate in the extravagance sought by outsiders; for it is of no profit for you who are slaves of God. But participate in your own extravagance in which you can rejoice. And do not counterfeit or touch what belongs to another, or desire it. For it is evil to desire someone else’s goods. But do your own work, and you will be saved.”
Shepherd of Hermas, Parables 50.9-11 in The Apostolic Fathers, ed. and trans. by Bart D. Ehrman (LCL 24 & 25; Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2003).
Today in Amsterdam, I give thanks for a good night of sleep and for my wife, as it is her birthday.
She does not “participate in the extravagance sought by outsiders” but rather, as a slave to God, she participates in “extravagance in which you can rejoice.”
She is rich in good works and lets her light shine before others as she carries out ministries for God.
Today’s quote comes from the paper I will deliver tomorrow here at the conference: “Advice from the Apostolic Fathers on Christian Social Engagement in a Hostile World.”
Reply if you want a copy of my paper. And I shot the new header photo yesterday after our safe arrival.