Good Friday morning, my friends.
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16)
Jesus doesn't say "BE salt and light" - He say "you ARE salt and light". A follower of Christ will naturally be these things, living a life of gratitude for the grace that has been extended to us.
Our "good deeds" will set us apart from those around us who do not have a relationship with Christ - family, friends, co-workers, waiters, cashiers, bank tellers (does anyone actually go into a bank any more?), that guy in traffic who just cut you off . Our actions will point people towards God, and not towards ourselves. We choose not to do the wrong thing, even when making such a choice makes us stand out. Someone might feel convicted by our action, and that is a good thing, but they should never, ever feel condemned. They need to know that we made our choice for our own reasons, because of our own convictions, and that they are free to choose for themselves. We must be consistent in these actions - that builds up credibility. Eventually that person may ask you why, and that is an opportunity for the Gospel. Remember our New Year's resolution to pray for boldness and to have opportunities to tell others the Good News? The truth, however, is we may never know the effect we have on others. There are many in my past who have no idea how influential they were. But regardless of that (or perhaps because of it) we are to continue to be salt and light to those around us.
If you are a follower of Christ, it is most likely because someone (or someones?) around you spread salt and light. I will be eternally, and I mean ETERNALLY, grateful to the people who had this influence on me. And I didn't come quietly. Kicking and screaming is a better description.
Salt preserves. Light shows the way.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
Bruce
Lord, I pray that we would be the Holy flavor to a world doused with the spice of unrighteousness.
I pray that we would preserve what is righteous, and season the culture around us with the flavor of You.
I pray that we would remain potent with the truth of the whole gospel.
Lord, may the gospel that transformed us, be something that we gladly share.
Help us to be bold in both word and deed, speaking truth and living out it's implications.
I pray that we would be radiant with Your light, and that we would give off a glow that attracts those to You as Savior, Father and Holy King.
I pray that wherever you lead us, that we would be salt and light to a bland, decaying, dark world.
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