TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

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.

Matthew 5:13-16

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

If you are a good cook, you will not salt anything that is already salty. If you see clearly, you will not turn on your flashlight if it is already bright in the surrounding area. I believe as Christians, we cannot just stay inside the Church. Whenever God has placed us, may it be in our businesses, companies, marketplace, school, and more, we should shine our light and the salt that this imperfect world needs.

Why? Because Jesus challenges His followers to embrace their identity as salt and light in the world. Just as salt enhances flavor and light dispels darkness, believers are called to bring life and truth to the world around them.

Throughout history, God’s people have been called to stand out among the nations. In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites desired a king to be like the surrounding nations, forsaking their call to be distinct. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to resist the temptation to conform to the patterns of this world and instead be set apart for God’s purposes.

Our influence as believers is not in blending in with the crowd or just staying comfortable with each other but in standing out through holy, joyful, humble, and merciful lives lived for Christ. When we embody the teachings of Jesus and boldly proclaim His truth, we become beacons of hope and transformation in a world darkened by sin.

 

PRAYER