Balancing Act: The Purpose of Good Deeds in Matthew 5:16

Matthew 5:16 suggests that good deeds need to be seen by the world.  This stands in tension with what the Lord Jesus says about the way we do our good deeds before fellow church members. We never do good deeds in order for them to be impressed with us. There’s a place for secret good deeds, and so the Lord Jesus isn’t saying, “Basically, be show-offs and let everyone know how much of a goody two-shoes you are.” No, but, on the other hand, he is saying that the end goal is that the world—those who are not yet the light—see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.