What is the best thing you can do to show someone you really love them? Now, that’s a good question.
In Matthew 16:27, Jesus told His disciples to follow Him. Then he went on to say, “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds.”
This word, “deeds,” is the Greek word praxis, and refers to an activity or function. It comes from a word that means “to perform repeatedly or habitually.” The Greek word praxis is really the English word, “practice.”
Now, what kind of “deeds” was Jesus talking about when He said He would recompense every person according to their deeds? Well, He was not referring to good deeds; He was actually referring to something very specific that demonstrated whether or not someone truly loved Him. When Mark and Luke quote this verse, they each add an additional phrase which is not recorded in Matthew. Mark and Luke say that Jesus said, “For whosoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.” So here’s the point: the deeds Jesus was referring to, were NOT being ashamed of Him or of His words.
Do you readily confess that you are a Christian, wherever you go? Are there times when you are ashamed or reluctant to speak up about your faith in Christ? Are you embarrassed to be known as a Christian (Christ-one) in certain settings? Well, that’s what Jesus was talking about. If you really love Him, you won’t be ashamed of Him or of His Word in any setting – ever. That’s the deed He will reward.
Say – on this Valentine’s Day, why not vow to love the Lord with all of your heart and not be ashamed of Him under any circumstances.