"Indispensable"
Feb. 6, 2020
(Jesus said) "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. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
It's good to know we can make a difference. We may wonder sometimes if what we do matters if our words and actions really carry any weight in this world. Jesus' words above tell us they do.
To say, "You are the salt of the earth," is to place a unique value on your life. You're essential. Salt was a treasured mineral for thousands of years well before Jesus hit the scene. Used by the Egyptians and traded throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, it's an essential ingredient in the diets of both humans and animals.
And it's what we are to be in the lives of others. As followers of Jesus, we can and should be vital, necessary, and beneficial to those in our orbit. But like salt, our impact may not always be immediately obvious. It's the little things that can make a big difference—the patience we show a child or the time we take to listen to a friend who's got a problem.
Our words, as the apostle Paul says, should be warm and inviting toward others. We can learn to speak in ways that bless and edify. We can point toward God's grace in our conversations as the Holy Spirit uses us to open doors for the Gospel. "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4:6).
And light—what could be more crucial than being the light for someone else? That's what Jesus says we are to be: "the light of the world," beaming brightly, giving "light to all in the house." The responsibility is awesome, and God has entrusted it to us. Furthermore, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us, inspire us, and keep us essential in the lives of others.
What a tremendous role to have in God's kingdom on earth. As He has saved us by grace through faith in Christ's triumphant victory over the powers of darkness, He now empowers us to freely share His Gospel. He knows this commission is a challenge, but He gives us the grace to be indispensable—salty and bright for Christ.
May we rise to the occasion, keeping our eyes on the cross, as we tell the world about Jesus.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give us the grace necessary to be Your people in the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you feel like you make a difference in people's lives?
- We've been given an awesome responsibility as God's salt and light. Does knowing this affect the way you live?
- What one thing (for starters) might you do to make yourself more vital in the life of someone else?
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. This Daily Devotion was written by Rev. Minh Chau Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Do you feel like you make a difference in people's lives?
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