“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father“.

Matthew 5:14-16

So that. Two little words but oh so important.

Our days are full of choices that so often seem meaningless. Sometimes they are directed by us and sometimes they are directed for us. But when we take time to identify a “so that” in each choice we must make, they become more meaningful and direct us toward a greater purpose.

“So that” is a conjunction that joins two clauses and is used to indicate purpose. But it is also a call to action that is meant to be helpful in keeping us healthy, happy, and successful. During our work day we are invited to experience off the clock breaks SO THAT our bodies and minds can rest. And in Scripture we are invited to fully experience God’s grace SO THAT we can rest in Divine wisdom, love, provision, and purpose.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that His people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”.

John 3:16 – “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”.

James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”.

John 16:33 – “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world”.

Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”.

Matthew 5:14-16) – “You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father”.

God spoke through Scripture to equip us so that our lives can have meaning by doing His work in this world. Jesus came to empower us so that we can be free from our guilt and shame and live lives worthy of His example.

Now it’s our turn! These are just a few of the Biblical “so that’s” meant to transform our hearts and minds. Which ones do you need to embrace today? How will you be faithful in living them out? What other “so that’s” can you choose that will honor and elevate who Jesus is and what He’s doing in you?

#SaturdaySoulSearch