“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
This morning as I continued in my Rooted study (even though our group is not meeting), I was so gently reminded that God’s people are called to be the salt and light of the world. We are called to show Christ’s love through our daily lives and interactions. This calling has not changed or altered due to our current circumstances. If anything, the call is stronger!
Photo by Lindley Webster
For salt to be effective for its purpose, it must be used. The salt must be rubbed on the food for preservation or placed on a wound for healing. Salt is not effective sitting on the shelf. Similarly, we must be present and active in the lives around us. We must be bold to strike up conversation, share our story in Christ, show compassion to a hurting neighbor and make it evident that Christ’s love is available to an unbelieving family member. Our genuine love, peace and faithfulness through Christ must be evident as we interact with the dear ones around us. We are called to be the salt of the earth.
Light is strategically placed for it to be used to the fullest. Whether placed on a hill or quarantined at home, our placement is ordained by our heavenly Father. Those who have been placed in our lives are there for a purpose. If our light, Christ’s love through us, is shining bright others around us will see it!
So be present in your current situation. The Lord wants to use you to further His kingdom. As Rooted so beautifully states; “As Christians, our purpose is to love those people (those who are placed in our lives) the way Jesus loves them- with generous compassion, scandalous grace, and undeniable truth.” I prayerfully encourage you to be present and invest in the lives that have been placed in your path. Be the salt and the light you have been called to be.
-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care