Today we continue our devotionals based upon our being salt and light by considering our need to understand our identity.
Definition: To be salt and light is to influence the world for good through our example, loving challenge and sharing the gospel.
A firefighter understands their identity. When the bell sounds, they get dressed, jump down the pole and rush to fight the fire. They are it, no-one else is coming. If they don’t go, no one else will. Likewise, Jesus describes us as the salt and light of this world. We are it! We can miss being salt and light if we fail to understand or take seriously our identity.
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Extract of Matthew 5:13-16)
RESPONSE
We are it, we are the salt and light of this world! Do you understand your identity? As a Christian, you are many things: you a child of God. You are a member of the Body of Christ. You are a priest… You are also salt and light. You can do this. You can do this because it’s what you are, it’s what God’s made you to be.
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - YOU ARE THE SALT...THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Suggested opener/Ice-breaker
How, in the last week, have you been able to be salt and light, or, if you're brave, would you like to share how you failed to be salt and light?
Introduction - please share in your group
This week we are looking at what it means to be salt and light.
The health of a family, friendships, neighbourhood, workplace, nation... is linked to the health of its church and her members! The appalling immortality that is growing in this nation is partly due to the church being tasteless and dark when she should be salt and light. Jesus said,
“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. “You are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)