Articles
SALT AND LIGHT!
We are very familiar with the words of Jesus, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt
has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?” and “You are the light of the world...Let
your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13, 16). But how extreme are we willing to be with that
challenge (or dare I call it a command!). Throughout Scripture we are challenged to be lights,
examples, and imitators of God (Phil. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:12; Titus 2:7; Eph. 5:1, etc.). But, as well
as we may know these verses, do we live by them?
I was visiting with a lady this past week. On being asked how she was doing, she responded,
“I am making one step after another.” Translation: I am just making it. Unfortunately, there are
many Christians that live that same life on a daily basis. We are just making it from day to day.
That doesn’t sound much like being salt and light to a lost and hopeless world.
As children of God, our lives are to shine brighter than those of the world (Phil. 2:15).
Because we know whose we are and because we know the ultimate end result (our hope in
eternal life!), then we should shine in such a way that people would have to stop and stare and
question why we are the way we are!
Is it possible that we have allowed ourselves to become stagnant in our lives as lights of the
world? Have we convinced ourselves that others are good too, so I can’t stand out more than
anyone else? As God’s children, we should shine more brightly than anyone, because of Jesus
Christ and His love for us!
Beginning this evening, our Small Study Groups will study “The Christian and His
Influence.” We hope you will make plans to be a part of this study. If you signed up to
participate in a “home” study, your assigned group is listed on the back of this bulletin and on
the bulletin boards in the auditorium. If you are not assigned to a group, please contact one of the
elders. There will also be a group that meets in the church auditorium. We look forward to our
study together on how we can shine brighter for the Lord! ~Paul Mowrer
