Making a Difference Where You Are
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Opening Statement:
When we serve as Jesus commanded, using our gifts and talents to meet the needs of people around us, we become as salt and light to people, pointing them to God.
Understanding why Jesus used these terms reveals the substance of our influence.
I) What Are the Purposes of Salt and Light?
I think the reason Jesus chose these two metaphors - salt and light - is because of their unique qualities. Both carry enormous influence.
A) A Closer Look at Salt
What did they use it for?
1) Salt is a preservative.
As we bring Christ's word and the Kingdom's influence into our society, we help protect society from the full sway of evil that would otherwise be present.
2) Salt is a flavoring.
Christianity brings spice and zest to life it brings out a side of us that has been hidden to the world.
3) Salt is an antiseptic.
Christians have a responsibility of not only pointing out sin, but practically offering healing and help.
4) Salt Creates a thirst.
As Jesus made people thirsty for God the Father, so should Christians make people thirsty for the real life found only in Christianity.
B) A Closer Look at Light
The dictionary defines light as a "source of illumination." What does light luminate?
1) Light Dispels the darkness.
Christians, reflecting the light of Christ, bearing his light dispel spiritual darkness.
2) Light Reveals that which was Unseen.
As Christ's presence in our world, we become his instruments to reveal his truth to a world in darkness.
3) Light Awakens People.
As Christians we are to be the light of the world, awakening men and women to the truth of the Kingdom's arrival, awakening society to the presence of God.
4) Light Gives us a Warning.
Christians warn of impending danger to a careless world.
II) How Can We Make a Difference?
"How do I do that?" you ask. Glad you asked.
A) Recognize that Your Uniqueness Makes a Difference.
Just as salt is different than pepper, and light is distinct from darkness, so are Christians distinct from the world. (John 17:15-18)
B) Walk close to Christ Daily.
The point Jesus is making that it is dangerously easy for Christians to become diluted and lose their salty, preserving influence in the world.
If we are not affecting our world, the world is affecting us. If we are not salting the world, the world is rotting us.
C) Make Your Works Visible to Those Around You.
Our Christianity should be vibrant and visible. Salt in a saltshaker and light under a bushel basket makes no impact. Christian’s void of visible deeds of compassion influences no one.
III) Understand the Sphere of Our Impact.
We are salt to the earth. We are light to the world. To reduce it to anything less would be equivalent to restricting the power, authority, and grace of our Lord. He has informed us that the whole world is the sphere in which our influencing activities are to be lived out. The entire world is to feel the seasoning influence and see the lights impact.
In Closing:
We aren't called to save the world. But we are called to make a difference. We can't do everything. But we can do something. That's what being salt, and light is all about.
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