Matthew 5:13-16

13 “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.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Contemplation:

It is the ways we are different that mark us as followers of Jesus.  He has called us to be agents of change in our world--a demonstration of the distinctives of His Kingdom when compared to the earthly kingdoms.  We become God's message to the world as He is transforming us.

He draws us to himself to show us a new way of living.  One that is counterintuitive.  Then, he sends us back into the world to love as he has loved us, forgive as we have been forgiven, heal as we have been healed.  Our actions point to our heavenly Father in ways that contrast with the world made by those who have never known our Abba, Father.

Question:

How is my life being made "saltier" and "brighter" in my relationship with God?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to cease my image conscious striving.   Let my identity flow naturally from my relationship with you.  Let me know that you are at work in my life when I see the change I have prayed for in my sphere of influence.  Let me embrace the strange and unfamiliar ways that mark those who follow you.