Today we continue our devotionals based upon our being salt and light by considering our need to actively pursue being salt and light, particularly in our relationships.
Definition: To be salt and light is to influence the world for good through our example, loving challenge and sharing the gospel.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying ‘he talks a good game’. Such a person can tell you what the players and manager should be doing, but they don’t play the game. Christianity is not a spectator sport. There are no time-outs. We are the salt and light of the world.
“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)
We can miss being salt and light through lack of thinking, planning, prayer and responsiveness to the Spirit’s promptings. We may be able to explain what salt and light are, but we must actively apply this in the contexts and relationships that God has put us?
We can also miss being salt and light by not ‘walking in the Spirit’ each day. We allow worldly attitudes, habits and manners to dim our light. This is particularly true in our interpersonal relationships. Here are two texts that speak of salt and light in regard to our relationships,
‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.’ (Philippians 2:14-15)
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)
RESPONSE
Are you letting your light shine? Is in on its stand? Are you refusing ‘grumbling and arguing’ and are we striving for peace?
God has given you the gifts, contexts and relationships that you have. He wants us to think, plan, pray and respond to the Spirit’s guidance.
How could you do this? Perhaps you might want to list the main contexts and relationships in your life with a view to pray and seek to be salt and light in those situations and relationships.
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)
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