Salt and Light

Not wanting to leave anything out, it was a masterpiece in weaving together general themes, targeted ideas, and calling people out who didn't believe in what He was saying. He covered everything from financial matters, marriage, legal issues, charity, how to treat each other, foreign relations, and prayer. Nobody was left untouched. He didn’t want your vote, He wanted your heart.

When Jesus saw the crowds gathering, he took the opportunity to hike the mountainside and kick off the momentous event with an opening salvo that turned what everybody thought they knew on its side.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, the humble, those who mourn, the merciful, the peacemakers, the hungry, and the persecuted, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs."

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." (Matthew 15:11-12)

When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, it was a manifesto for Godly living, no matter what side of the aisle you sit. It was not a ladder into the kingdom, but a portrait of a life in union with the King. The Book of Matthew, chapters five, six, and seven, are, in my opinion, the most important speech in history. And the remarkable part is that when Jesus was done speaking, he went to work and backed up every word with action for the rest of His life.

He calls us to be different, to follow His example, not the jokers on our left, our right, or the screens in front of us. He calls us not just to act differently for the world to see, but to think and believe differently for the Lord to see. It is our heart, not our profile, that matters. You are the salt of the earth, He says. Following the crowd and popular opinion is flavorless. But shaking Him out on our family, our workplace, and each other both preserves and brings out the best in everything it touches.

Take some time and read through these chapters. Trust me, you won't leave unscathed, and that is the point. It is not about how perfect we are. It is about letting His light shine through us, despite our imperfections. It is not to feel better, but to be better. That is leadership. That is love.

You are the light of the world.

"Let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16) 

Let's go be salt and light!