DAY 40: BE THE SALT AND LIGHT

DAY 40: BE THE SALT AND LIGHT

SCRIPTURE:

Matt 5:13 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 by men.

OBSERVATION:

One of the first things the Lord told His disciples in the Sermon of the Mount was to be the salt of the earth. Usually, salt has two main purposes, to give taste and to preserve. When we live according to the Way of the Kingdom, we show the world the flavor of righteousness, to show the world how life is meant to be lived, and how man can live in peace with God. At the same time, salt also preserves the standard of God’s righteousness for the world to see. In an age, where Satan has bewitched the world to think no longer in black and white but in various shades of gray, our consistent and faithful walk before God preserves the way of God’s righteousness as a testimony to them.

However, if we as Christians become conformed to the world, to begin to think and walk and talk and eat like just everyone else, it is as if the salt has lost its saltiness and is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men. When we give poor testimony like that, we let down our precious Lord, and let His name be ridiculed by others because of our hypocrisy and arrogance.

Throughout Scripture, there is a consistent message that we are saved for a purpose, and that is to be the salt and light for Christ in the fallen world. Where there is darkness, we are to shine our light, and show them the way of peace in a world of turmoil. If we lose our purpose, we fade away, and there is a stern warning that any tree and every branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off.

APPLICATION:

How do we keep ourselves “salty” and “purposeful”? Only through our close relationship with our Lord. Jesus said “I am the vine. You are the branches. Remain in me, and you will bear much fruit”. So important in our Christian walk, is to be able to remain in Christ. What does that mean practically? It means to constantly have the Lord in our minds, considering each and every moment whether what we do pleases Him. And He has given us a precious guide, the Holy Spirit, our counsellor and friend, who is always with us and shows us the way how to please God. In our own strength, we can never please God, but when we follow His Holy Spirit in faith, He joining with us enables us to bear fruit that pleases Him.

PRAYER:

We thank You, Lord Jesus, that it is in remaining in You that we can bear fruit, and fulfill our purpose as the salt and light of the earth. Teach us and incline our hearts O Lord, to listen to Your Holy Spirit which You have given us. Strengthen us and give us peace, that we may serve You faithfully and bear good testimony according to Your will. Protect us and inspire us, move us and empower us, that we may live lives worthy of Your calling we pray. In Jesus name, Amen.