What is your salt and light doing today? Matthew 5:13-16

Salt and Light

13 “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.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  (NIV)

As a part of our Lenten observance this year, on Wednesday nights we are watching the video series by John Ortberg entitled, "Who is this Man?" which is based upon the book by the same name. Together we have looked at the powerful influence that Jesus has had over our culture and our world.  It chronicles the impact of Christians and the Christian movement which has literally transformed our care for the poor and needy, marginalized, sick, women, and children; raising each to a new state of compassion which previously just didn't exist in the world before Christ.  In a world where only the kings were thought to be created in their gods image, Jesus says that we're all created in God's image, and then he goes about loving people in a way that demonstrates that he really believes it!  Yes, Jesus brought light into dark reaches that had never seen light before and praise God there have been countless Christians who have taken up that same torch. 

Just think of compassion and forgiveness.  They were His idea, a reflection of His heart.  Jesus brought these to a world that taught people to love their friends and hate their enemies.  Jesus was truly a radical in a hateful and selfish world filled with pride... and he continues to do the same today through us.  Perhaps this is what we need to think about during these last days of Lent leading up to Easter.  Lent is a time of introspection and devotion to Christ. Perhaps Lent can be like a mechanic doing a tune up on our car.  Now don't ask me all that they are doing under the hood! I'm just glad I trust my mechanic to do it right.  But as Christians we need to check our life, our heart, and our motives. 
 

Today I want to ask, "How is your salt preserving and your light shining?" According to Jesus if Salt loses its saltiness it should be thrown out and light should not be hidden but raised up for all to see.   So what is your salt and light doing in the world?  Have you ever considered that as Christians we are literally the most powerful source of transformation and compassion in the world?  Sadly, we get so focused on our own little world that sometimes we forget who we really are.

Today why don't you inspect what's on the inside and think of just one way you can let it out into the lives around you today.

For Jesus said, "......Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) May the revolutionary love of Christ spring forth from us for God's praise and glory today.  Amen