Matthew 5:13-16
In John 16, we are reading some of the last teachings of Jesus to His disciples before the culmination of His purpose in coming to earth. These are important urgent words. The Lord told them of the coming of the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11, 14) to bring glory to the Lord Jesus through salvation.
We are blessed to have a part in the fulfillment of this purpose because the Holy Spirit indwells us and will work through us. Jesus told us how in Matthew 5:13-16, in essence telling us to be saltshakers and lanterns.
Why salt? I like to bake bread and usually have good results, but a few times had epic failures. One was when I forgot to put in the salt. The loaves looked beautiful but tasted like cardboard! Salt in life is necessary. Salt is used for seasoning and preserving but also causes thirst. If our lives are seasoned with His salt, we help bring out the good and preserve it. If we live filled with the Spirit, we can create a thirst in those who don’t know Him to want what we have in Him. Be a saltshaker!
Jesus called Himself the Light of the World in John 8:12. In Ephesians 5:9, the Word says, “For this light within you produces what is good and kind and true.” In our world today, most people do not believe in God, but fashion a god from their own desires, and do not even know what is good and true because they don’t know God. Isaiah 5:20 says, “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good, and good is evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” The Holy Spirit will use the light of Christ in us to bring people out of darkness into His light. Be a lantern.
We have an enemy who wants to keep us from being salt and light for obvious reasons. But if we choose to be led by the Spirit, He will develop in us the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If this salt and light is seen in us, then many may turn from sorrow to joy, from death to life, from despair to hope when they turn to Jesus.
Be a saltshaker and a lantern!
Prayer: Lord, today, help me to live in such a way to inspire a thirst for you and show the world the truth of your Light! May this bring you glory. Amen
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member