Heavenly Nuts

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

Those of you who are parents--when someone makes a comment about how sweet your child is, how well behaved, how well mannered--don't you just swell up a little with pride? Don't you just breath a little easier, thinking, "Phew, glad we got through that one!"

Because why? If your child was acting like a brat, throwing toys, screaming at the top of their lungs, someone would say, "Boy, wouldn't want to meet that kid's parents." or "What kind of parents must they have to allow their child to behave in such a manner." Be honest, you've thought yourself at times, when you have observed a child being obnoxious.

Isn't it the same with our Heavenly Father? Don't people judge our Heavenly Father by what we do or don't do? How we act or react? When we are good and kind and thoughtful, people say, "How nice, they must be Christians." But if we act badly, they tend to say, "If that is what Christians are all about, then thanks, but no thanks. Leave me out of it."

Right or wrong, we are judged as reflections of our Heavenly Parent. Just as your own child is judged as a reflection of their earthly parent. So, shouldn't that motivate you to be on your best behavior, whether in plain view or in a closet?

You know the old saying, "The nut doesn't fall far from the tree." So don't be ashamed to be known as the Heavenly nut!