Salt & Light

Matthew 5:13-16, "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.  If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand.  Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

I like how the Message translation words these verses.  We are to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors.  And, we are a light that brings out the God-colors.  Too many times, Christians keep God in a box.  The take Him out at church but then stuff Him back in the box afterwards.  God is not a secret to be kept!  His greatness…His mercy…His healing power…His delivering power…His preserving power is not to be kept a secret.  It’s it time, in these last days to go public with God.  We are light bearers!  God is setting us on a hill so that we can shine brightly for Him. 

God has a way of seasoning our lives so that we can turn around and season the lives of others.  We need to season our homes, workplaces, churches and everywhere we go with God-flavors.  And, just what are His flavors?  Just a few are mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…”  The Message translation says it this way, “But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely…” 

We need to reach out to others.  Do not be satisfied with “us four and no more”.  But, open up to others by giving a little of yourself.  Ephesians 5:8-10 (KJV) says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth):  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.”  Share a little of that goodness, righteousness and truth that He has blessed your life with.  And, in doing this, you will help others to open up to God.

Maybe this little song should the “theme song” for the day…♫♪

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.  Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!  

Hide is under a bush?  Oh no!  I’m going to let it shine!  Hide is under a bush?  Oh no!  I’m going to let it shine!  Hide is under a bush?  Oh no!  I’m going to let it shine!  Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!