By the grace of God we have been called out of the darkness to the light. Now we are to declare the praises of God by how we live our daily lives.

During a soccer match in the year 2000 between West Ham United of London and Everton of Liverpool, the goalie of Everton was injured. Play continued, nevertheless. West Ham player Paolo Di Canio was coming down the field as the ball was passed to him with a wide open shot at the goal. He could have simply tapped it in. But when he saw the opposing team's goalie lying on the ground, struggling, he simply stopped, picked up the ball, and signaled for medical help to come on the field. Di Canio was known for his very aggressive—and sometimes volatile—play on the field. Afterward, when he was asked why he acted as he did, Di Canio responded, "I saw the goalkeeper was on the ground and in pain. During the game, the opposition is my enemy. But when they are injured, they are my colleagues, and I must help them."

There is something to be said for good sportsmanship. It's refreshing to see it from players and fans during intense and competitive play. Perhaps, for a moment, such exhibitions of human compassion and professional courtesy make the world stop and take notice of something that is a bit extraordinary and even inspiring. Who knows, some young aspiring athlete might take a lesson from such an example and carry it into his or her own life and career. Good sportsmanship is commendable and may inspire others to follow this good example.

OUR "LIGHT" DECLARES GOD'S PRAISES

On a much higher plane, good deeds in the lives of those who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior also cause the world to take notice. Our Lord Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Men, get in the game. Get in the game by letting your lights shine in the world. Your mission field is your workplace, your backyard, your vacation spot—everywhere there are people with whom you rub elbows every day. The way you live your life and conduct yourself may be the first step toward attracting someone to Christ.

Remember, good deeds do not convert souls. In fact, good deeds are really a preaching of the law. For example, when you go to church and others see you doing so, they realize that you are doing something they may not be doing. The law acts as a mirror to show them what they ought to do. When someone notes that you do not curse or take God's name in vain, they may ask why not. They may realize that your piety comes from a respect for God that they fail to have. Some do not like such reminders and may react negatively to you. Others respect it and perhaps even become curious. Often even people outside of God's family recognize the life you live as a believer as something good.