You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. Matthew 5:13
The world’s bestselling book is the Bible. Pastor Ryan mentioned in the beginning of this series that Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount also tops many lists of the most famous speeches. Let’s pause today to ponder the profound way Jesus began his ministry with this message. Its words inspired his followers to make an incredible difference and spread God’s love in the known world at that time.
The difference begins earlier in Matthew 4:17, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God has come near.” These words mean turn around and change your thinking if you want to be a part of life in the Kingdom of God which is here now. The crowds gathered on the mountain side and Jesus began this famous speech with the Beatitudes. Those eight blessings are the prerequisites for godly influencing. He was actually congratulating them, surprising them with the fact that all the benefits mentioned are already theirs! The presence of the Kingdom of God in the heart, character and identity of born-again believers alter earthly reality. Next Jesus shares “the how” with insight from the metaphors of salt and light.
You ARE the salt of the world, and the world is rotting. It needs salty people living in the way of Jesus to heal, cleanse and preserve. You ARE the light of the world, and the world needs you to shine in its darkness. You ARE graced with the love of Jesus, so share it. You can’t be a world changer unless you’ve been changed by Jesus. You ARE blessed to be a blessing. This was the charge given to Abraham and the people of Israel in the old covenant (Genesis 12:1-3). This is now the charge given by Jesus as he ushers in the Kingdom of God and the new covenant (Ezekiel 36:26). This Good News is to be given not just to Israel, but to the world.
Even today, you are a part of this Big God Story. Those who know they are blessed by God don’t need to fight for blessing from others. Knowing God’s blessings gives you the ability to freely bless others, without needing something in return. Is there a place or a relationship where you need to be a blessing? Be saltier? Shine more brightly, as a light in the darkness? Ask God to show you as you listen to this song, Salt And Light by Jami Smith.
By Donna Burns
