WEEK 5 - REAWAKENING TO THE MISSION OF CHRIST
This week, we will look at some of the things Jesus has called us to do as we live on mission with Him in this world. He defines and assigns the mission we are to carry out. May we carry it out in obedience and dependence!
DAY TWENTY NINE - BEING SALT AND LIGHT - TERRY SMITH
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “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.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Jesus uses two metaphors to describe our mission. He tells us that we are “the salt of the earth” (v. 13) and “the light of the world” (v. 14). Both indicate that our Jesus-assigned mission involves being influential to those around us who do not know Him.
Salt adds flavor and acts as an agent of purification and preservation. Jesus is calling us to a distinct lifestyle marked by His character that has a positive moral and ethical influence on the people around us. Our lives should point people to the Christ who alone enables us to live in a way that avoids the moral and ethical deterioration of the world. If we’re just like the world, then we’ll never be able to reach those in the world.
Light pushes back the darkness, enabling people to see more clearly. Jesus reminds us that light can’t be hidden but must be displayed to benefit those who are still in spiritual darkness. Our witness—both in words and in lifestyle—must be displayed in a way that helps others see Jesus. 1 John 1:5 reminds us that “God is light.” His character is perfect in holiness. As we go deeper in our relationship with Jesus, His Spirit conforms our character more and more to be like His. People are attracted to Jesus by what they see in us.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to identify any areas of your life that are a hindrance to pointing people to Jesus. Repent of what the Spirit reveals.
2. While we aren’t to be like the world, we are to be in the world.
If you’ve withdrawn from the people who need to be reached, ask the Lord to give you the courage to let your light shine.
3. Make a list of the people in your neighborhood, workplace, or school who do not seem to have a relationship with Jesus. Pray for these people and your witness to them.