Turn your light on!

  What is your contribution to God’s kingdom? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Matthew 5:13-16 says:

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

First, what is the purpose of salt? Salt is a seasoning. If a seasoning has no flavor, then what’s the use? Likewise, we, as Christians, are to be the seasoning in this very stale world. We were not called to blend in to this world, but to stand out. We should affect the people around us and bring out the best in this world, like seasoning brings out the best flavor in food. 

Jesus also said that we are to be the light of the world. Again, he is calling us to stand out. It is very easy to see the darkness in this world. If you watch the news, or go online, the darkness seems to overcome everything.  

The lyrics of an old children’s song go as follows: “This little light of mine; I’m going to let it shine (pointer fingers up and all).” It may seem to you as if your light doesn’t make a difference, but I promise people notice. Just like a smile (or a yawn) is contagious, when you are a light for others to see, people will notice and follow that light. 

Lastly, we should know where that light comes from. It doesn’t come from you, it doesn’t come from your church, or your pastor. The light comes only from above. Verse 16 says, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” Always remember what it’s all about: glorifying the Father. Your light does not come from you. The purpose of shining this light is not to get attention. This instruction is kingdom business. Let there be less of me, you, and this world and more of Him!