Saturday, September 19, 2009

Just Do It

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Do you ever think about what kind of influence you have on others? People watch what you do and listen to what you say and all of that put together helps them form not only an opinion about you but an opinion about what you stand for. So it really isn’t a question of if you’ll have an influence but what kind of influence you’ll have. Christians are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

In Biblical times, salt was extremely valuable. It was used as a preservative. It kept good things from going bad. The second thing salt does is gives taste and flavor to food.

Christians are given the task of being salt in our society. We are to help people persevere. We are to help them see meaning in life when they have no hope. It is about helping others in their quality of life. We are to encourage reconciliation and peace. We are to point them to the Savior.

Salt and light do not exist for their own sake, but to make a difference and to give glory to God.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t ask us to be salt and light. He says we are salt and light. So be who you are. Act upon your nature, your identity, just do what you are meant to do.

Just do it.



Here’s another way to think about it:

“Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13 -16 -- from The Message

OR

“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. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5 :13-16 NIV

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