By Joe Slater
7.9 Billion people now inhabit this planet! What difference can one person (you) make? Oh, sure, the President of the United States is only one person, but he can make a huge difference. A multi-millionaire can make a noticeable difference. But ordinary folks like you or me – do we really matter?
In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said, “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 under foot 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.” Our Lord was talking to men whom the world would classify as nobodies. They weren’t rich, famous, or highly educated. They were ordinary working-class people. But did they ever make a difference! And so can you and I!
A little salt can go a long way. Just a sprinkle on bland food makes it palatable. But the salt must not remain in the shaker – it must contact the food to produce the desired result.
Just a small light gives guidance in an otherwise pitch-dark room. The psalmist said God’s word was a lamp to his feet and a light to his path (Psalm 119:105). As our behavior models God’s word and as we share His word with others, we illuminate a world darkened by ignorance and sin.
Be not dismayed; you are salt and light!
7.9 Billion people now inhabit this planet! What difference can one person (you) make? Oh, sure, the President of the United States is only one person, but he can make a huge difference. A multi-millionaire can make a noticeable difference. But ordinary folks like you or me – do we really matter?
In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said, “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 under foot 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.” Our Lord was talking to men whom the world would classify as nobodies. They weren’t rich, famous, or highly educated. They were ordinary working-class people. But did they ever make a difference! And so can you and I!
A little salt can go a long way. Just a sprinkle on bland food makes it palatable. But the salt must not remain in the shaker – it must contact the food to produce the desired result.
Just a small light gives guidance in an otherwise pitch-dark room. The psalmist said God’s word was a lamp to his feet and a light to his path (Psalm 119:105). As our behavior models God’s word and as we share His word with others, we illuminate a world darkened by ignorance and sin.
Be not dismayed; you are salt and light!
- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of
Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com
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