Turn On The Lights !!

Matthew 5:13-20 (New International Version)

Salt and Light

 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 by men.

 ¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither 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. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

 ¹⁷"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus Wants You  to Represent Him!

People often ask me what I miss most about serving as president of Moody Bible Institute. Without question it’s the students. I love their passion for Jesus and the way they demonstrate it to the world around them. Non-Christian employers often told me of the student’s exemplary work ethic. Chicago’s police superintendent once said, “When the Moody students return to campus, it’s like somebody turned on the lights on the near North side.”

This is exactly what Jesus had in mind when He said, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). It’s a powerful word picture of the impact of contrast. There should be a recognizable difference between the integrity of Christians and the prevailing darkness of our world.

It’s not about making speeches for Jesus; it’s about people observing us as Jesus’ followers. Even though they may not want to hear about Jesus, you can be sure they’re watching to see if He makes a difference in our lives. When Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works” (Matt. 5:16), He was saying that before we can speak up we have to show up. Our capacity to shine Jesus is measured by our good works, which reveal His compelling reality in our lives.

Let’s turn on the lights in our lives. (By Dr. Joseph Stowell)

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Jesus is calling you, with a holy calling for the light of the world to be, to lift up the lamp of the Savior, that others His light may see. No matter what you are, no matter the place you live, Jesus is calling you to be His ambassador and represent Him.

Insight:
In the Biblical passage we read today, Jesus used two common objects: salt and light, to show the impact a Christian ought to have on the society he lives in. Salt has been used as a preservative, a flavor enhancer, and a thirst stimulant. A lamp is intended to shine and give direction; to illuminate and give light to others. The light also serves as a sign. The light must necessarily be placed in a conspicuous position to attract and to be effective.

To lead others out of the darkness of sin, let them see the light of Christ in your life.