Matthew 5:13-16
Here Jesus uses two pictures – of salt and light – to describe those who follow Him. Both make the point that citizens of His kingdom should look radically different from the people of this world. As believers, we are called to live according to the culture of the Kingdom of God rather than that of a society that is trying to make sense of life without Him.
Salt brings flavour to food because of its saltiness. If it loses that piquancy it becomes useless. In the same way Christians can lose their distinctiveness and usefulness. If we compromise our message in order to be socially acceptable, or live according to our fleshly desires rather than being led by the Spirit we will blend in with the unbelievers around us and no one will see the Lord in us.
The purpose of light is to shine in the darkness, dispelling it so that people can see. We are surrounded by people who are blinded by the darkness of this world that has been corrupted by Satan. They cannot see where they came from or where they are going. They have no purpose or direction. They desperately need someone to show them the way to Father God. That is the role of those who are citizens of God’s kingdom, but the light in us will be obscured if we walk in compromise and sin.
Jesus said that His disciples are salt and light, which means that this is our identity rather than what we do. The saltiness and light that we bring to the world has nothing to do with our personality or gifting but comes from the presence of Christ in us. He is the One who enables us to manifest His character, showing love towards everyone we meet. He is the One who will work through us in acts of supernatural power. The more we stand out from the culture and values of the world around us, the more we will draw attention to Him.
When Jesus came to town people were moved to give praise and thanks to God (Matthew 9:8, Luke 7:16, 13:13, 17:15, 23:47). We should have the same effect as we go about our daily lives!
1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV) “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Prayer
Father God,
Thank You that You have delivered me from the power of darkness and conveyed me into the Kingdom of Your Son. Thank You for the privilege of being a citizen of Your beautiful kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy. Help me to live in such a way that those around me see a life that has been radically changed by You. May my life point people towards You and bring You glory.
Amen.
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