Salt & Light : Shining Light in Our Circle of Influence

John 12:35-36 Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light."

Jesus was the “Light of the World,” and He commanded His followers to be light, as well. We're to shine with a godly brightness in hopes that people will be drawn to the One who dwells within us.

Light shines most effectively when it is not hidden. As Christians, we are to be transparent about our faith and our dependence on the Lord. Light is also brightest when its cover is kept clean. People are quick to spot hypocrisy, so our private actions must match who we are in public. Eliminating sinful habits and practices will brighten our testimony for Jesus.

Light also reveals the hidden darkness. The Holy Spirit will use our actions to shine biblical truth into others’ lives and to reveal their need for the Savior. Their initial reaction may be discomfort or even guilt. But, as the Spirit moves, they will be drawn to the light you display.

Light also serves to guide and to warn. As we obey God’s leading, we'll be equipped to help others understand some key truths: their sinful state, their need for a Savior; and how to reconcile with God through Jesus Christ. We will also function as lanterns to warn people of the dangers along the path they’re taking.

Finally, our interactions are to bring warmth through an encouraging attitude and servant-like actions. To make a strong impact, we must reflect the light of God’s Son. Growing in Christlikeness is the key. Become intentional about shining your light in your circle of influence--namely, your home, workplace, and community.

Salt & Light : Being a Salty Influence

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls His followers to be the “salt of the earth.” What qualities does salt possess that we can exhibit in our spiritual lives?

First, salt adds flavor. Salt doesn’t bring change to itself; it seasons that which needs improved taste. In the same way, we are to focus on those who don’t know Jesus as Savior. Christlike character opens the way for others to hear our message.

Second, salt is a preservative. Salt keeps meat from going bad. In the case of people, our lives are to demonstrate an alternative to the world’s ways and point others to Jesus. Our influence can help them leave the destructive path they’re on and follow Him.

Third, salt makes an impact. Changes caused by salt may be invisible, but they are still evident. A timely word or act of kindness can speak volumes to someone searching for God. At other times, it's what we avoid doing or saying that catches another’s attention. We can be an effective witness to people around us wherever we are: restaurants, grocery lines, doctors’ offices, etc.

Finally, salt causes thirst. By facing difficulties with calmness, endurance, and hope, we display a godly testimony. When people going through hardship and pain see the way we deal with our troubles, they will thirst to know how we do it. Telling them about our dependence on God and His sufficiency will show them how to satisfy their needs.

Functioning as salt provides the opportunity to have a godly impact on someone else. Do the people around you sense something special in your life and thirst to know what it is?

Salt & Light : Making a Lasting Impact

Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

First Timothy 2:4 says that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." His plan is to use believers to make an impact on the world. It's God’s will for each of us to live in such a way that we influence other people for their spiritual good. Jesus used two very distinct words "salt and light" to illustrate our mission.

Salt is an additive used for flavoring and preserving. Its presence penetrates and spreads throughout any food on which it is sprinkled. As a result, there is a significant difference in flavor. Christians are to function the same way as salt: by spreading the appeal of Christ through our interaction with others. But, Jesus warns that the “saltiness” of our lives will decrease if we practice ungodly habits and attitudes. Chronic patterns of sin will render us “tasteless” and ineffective.

Jesus also calls us to be light, just as He was (John 1:4, 9). Light drives out darkness, reveals what is present, illuminates the path ahead, and warns of danger. We're to do the same by reflecting the Savior’s presence through our conversation and conduct. Just as soot on a glass lantern diminishes its light, sin’s presence decreases the strength of our testimony and reduces our influence. The more sin there is in our lives, the less divine light we'll reflect.

The composition of salt and the clarity of light are what gives them their power. Our character, which is who we are when no one is looking, can help or hurt our ability to affect our world. Consider the impact you can make by following God!

TRIALS : God’s Protection and Peace in Life’s Storms

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Emotional storms of inner turmoil are difficult to handle. Grief, fear, and worry can cause us great distress. To see us through life's difficulties, God provides His protection and peace. But protection doesn't mean that troubles won’t occur.

Jesus allowed the disciples to experience the fear and anxiety of being in a boat on a raging sea. He permitted them to suffer because He had something far more important to teach them. He wanted the disciples to recognize their own helplessness, His sufficiency, and their dependence on Him.

God's peace is not dependent upon the calming of our circumstances or the removal of external pressures. It doesn’t mean the absence of conflict either. His promised peace comes in three ways.

First, Jesus Himself becomes our peace. Through His death, He reconciled us to the Father. And we are no longer His enemies (Romans 5:1). In God, we can be at rest.

Second, when we're in a right relationship with the Father, we have the ability to live at peace with our fellow man (Ephesians 2:14). Through God, we have the power to choose forgiveness, to keep no record of wrongs, and to show love to our enemies.

The third way His promised peace comes is through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. It enables us to experience an increasing sense of inner tranquility (Galatians 5:22-23).

God provides our spiritual needs to both endure and grow stronger in our Christian faith. What challenges do you face? Are you using what God has provided?

TRIALS : God’s Provision in Life’s Storms

Matthew 14:27-31 "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

No one enjoys suffering. But in the hands of almighty God, trials become tools. He uses them to shape believers into the people He intends for them to be.

In our own strength, we lack the sufficient resources and abilities to meet life’s challenges. So, God provides just what we need. The most important thing He gives us is an awareness of His presence. At first, the disciples believed they were alone in a terrifying storm. When they initially spotted Jesus, their fear increased. They thought He was a ghost. But as they recognized Him, their fear changed to relief and hope.

During a crisis, we may not sense God’s presence. But, He has promised always to be with us (Hebrews 13:5-6). The assurance that He will never leave provides immediate comfort, an infusion of courage, and a sense of confidence to endure.

Another promise God makes is that He’ll provide a path through the trial. The disciples probably wondered how long the storm would last and whether they would make it safely to shore. As you or I would, they most likely wanted it all to end “yesterday.” But, had they somehow avoided this storm, they would have missed the demonstration of Jesus’ power over the sea and wind. This frightening situation was transformed into a revelation of the Savior’s divine nature. God wants to make known His power through our trials, too.

Ask God to reveal His abiding presence in the midst of your trouble. He'll provide strength to endure and wisdom to navigate a way out.

TRIALS : Reasons for the Storms of Life

2 Corinthians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

The Lord is never taken by surprise. He knows everything we are going through. And He is orchestrating our circumstances for both our benefit and His glory, according to His good will.

One purpose for hardship is our cleansing. Because of our own “flesh” nature, and the self-absorbed world we live in, it's easy to develop selfish attitudes, mixed-up priorities, and ungodly habits. The pressures that bear down on us from stormy situations are meant to bring these impurities to our attention and direct us to a place of repentance. Our trials are not designed to sink us but to purify us and guide us back to godliness.

A second reason we face difficulty is so that we'll bring comfort to others. God’s work in our lives is not intended solely for us. It's designed to reach a world that does not recognize or acknowledge Him. The Lord uses our challenges to equip us for serving others. As we experience suffering, we will learn about God’s sufficiency, His comforting presence, and His strength to help us endure. Our testimony during times of difficulty will be authentic. Those we minister to will recognize that we know and understand their pain. What credibility would we have with people in crisis if we never experienced a deep need?

Reflecting on the divine purpose in hardship can help us respond to them in a God-honoring way. Take a moment to fix your attention on the Lord. Seek to understand what He wants you to learn.

TRIALS : God’s Purposes in Our Difficulties

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

If we could choose the number of difficulties we want to face in a month, most of us would pick zero. Yet, God sees value in difficult times. Through His mighty power, He uses trials to accomplish His plans.

One of God’s purposes for us is a growing intimacy in our relationship with Him. But He knows we struggle to put Him first over our own interests. Many of us place higher priority on family and friends than on companionship with God. For others, finances, work, or even personal pleasures interfere. When the Lord sees that our attention is drifting away from Him, He might use hardships to draw us back so we’ll refocus.

Another reason God allows difficulties is to conform us to the image of Jesus. Pain is a tool that brings areas of ungodliness to the surface. God also uses it to sift, shape, and prune us. The sanctification process, the building of Christlike character into our lives, starts at salvation and ends with our last breath.

A third purpose for stressful circumstances is to reveal true convictions. Our faith is tested in tough times. It’s easy to say, “God is good,” when things are peaceful. But when everything goes wrong, what do we believe about Him? Do our words and actions reveal an attitude of trust?

King David endured many heartaches: a disintegrating family, personal attacks, and betrayal by close friends. But through his trials, he gained deeper intimacy with God, stronger faith, and more godly character. Won’t you let God accomplish His purposes in your present situation?