Compass for the Journey…
“Live Differently”
Matthew 5:11-19
We have been called to impact the world for Christ and not to become absorbed by the world. We are to live differently – to stand out as salt and light. We are called to…
I. Be Salt
Matthew 5:11a “You are the salt of the earth…”
Christ said that Christians are the salt of the earth and to have an influence in the lives of those we come in contact and on the world around us. Salt adds flavor to that which is bland and makes food palatable.
Salt preserves food from decay and destruction. The ancient Greeks said that salt could put a new soul into dead things. Without salt a thing putrefied and went bad. As believers we too are to seek to preserve the faith from corruption and error. We must earnestly contend as salt for the faith that was once held dear by the saints.
Salt creates thirst. When people look at us, do they see something that makes them thirsty? Do they see joy and peace and love? What about compassion and mercy? Do they see anything about us that is different that makes them thirsty?
We are called to…
II. Be Light
Matthew 5:14-15a ” “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 lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see…”
What does it mean to be a light? It means to shine for Christ 24/7 not just on Sunday morning.
Someone has said we are to be light in all aspects of this world’s life and to radiate it to all people of the world. Christians are called to be torch bearers in a world chained by the darkness of sin with depraved hearts that have been blinded to the truth of the Gospel.
We are called to…
III. Be Different
Matthew 5:13 “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.”
Salt must remain pure to be of value. The salt has lost its savor when professed Christians stray away from Christian principles and standards soiling themselves as they yield to the lure of the world which results in stunted spirituality.
Matthew 5:14-16 “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 lamp stand, 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.”
Light that is hidden under a basket cannot be seen nor can light beam forth and shine through soiled glass. Christ is the sole light that shines within the believer’s heart and life.
Matthew 5:17-19 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
If we are to be salt and light, we must live according to God’s standards and walk in His path. We are to live clear and clean, allowing His light to shine through us. Likewise, we are to keep ourselves pure that we as salt will retain our savor and cause others to desire Christ.
Understand God’s standards have not changed. The scriptures tell us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change and expects us to live as children of the One True King.
We are the Salt and Light of God to this world. Amen!
Pastor John Punni, II