Being Salt and Light in a World that Needs Both

     Many years ago, while traveling with my parents, we stopped at a restaurant to catch a bite to eat.  My father reached for the salt shaker and went to shake it on his food.  Unfortunately, someone had left the lid of the shaker unscrewed and out came the entire contents on his food. Needless to say, he was not amused or pleased.  He did his best to scrape off what he was able to so he could eat his food.  Hard to know if this was a trick played by an ornery patron who had come before us thinking it would be funny or if the restaurant staff had not finished the job of replacing the cap properly.  However, we know that too much salt can ruin a good meal.

     Jesus spoke about salt and light in the context of our lives in His Sermon on the Mount.  This message was meant for believers both to exhort and direct their lives.  In Mathew 5:13-16, we read:  "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.  You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  Thinking about both the elements of light and salt we have been entrusted by our Savior with an important call.

     When we think about salt, several uses come to mind.  Salt is a preservative.  In ancient times, it was used to preserve meats and foods that would easily spoil.  Salt is also used for flavoring our foods, but if used in excess, it can spoil the taste and
also raise blood pressure.   Often, we use salt to kill bacteria in our mouth if used for a rinse.  This is true after certain dental procedures.  Most importantly, we need salt in our bodies for balance of electrolytes, for our nervous system and muscle function.  With all these natural functions in mind, why did Jesus use this to refer to believers?

     As Christians, we are to add flavor to the world around us, to preserve it by speaking the truth in love.  My children will tell you that at times I may be a bit too salty in my approach to matters, but we live in a world that has moved far from the values and foundation in the Bible.  In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly said that He did not come to abolish the Laws that God the Father had set down but to fulfill them.  We are called to do the same.  We are to walk according to the Word of God not changing or making excuses for it.  The question comes, "Can we lose our saltiness?"  I believe we can, and we must guard against this.

     If salt gets wet, it tends to break down and lose the effectiveness it had when dry. Likewise, diluting it by mixing it with another powdered substance can also reduce its effectiveness.   In the same manner, if we start absorbing ideas from the culture around us and make excuses for sinful behavior, we lose our spiritual saltiness.  We know people who profess Jesus with their mouth but their lives do not seem to bear any fruit of real repentance or change.  We are called to holy living which often exposes us to criticism and ridicule.  Though this may be tough to face, our Lord has called us to be the flavor and preservative in this world.

     Christ also calls us to be light.  This brings to mind our trip to Mammoth Cave.  We were taken down into the depths of the earth and the guide told us he was going to show us how dark it was in a cave.  When he turned out the lights, it was pitch black.  No one could see anything or anyone.  Then, he lit a match.  That one little match pierced the darkness, and we could see again.  This is what we are to be in the world filled with spiritual darkness.  People are blinded to the truth and are stumbling their way through life.  However, we can bring the light of hope to them through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We were not redeemed to hide away.  We were brought to salvation to shine our light in this world so that men may find their way to God and give Him the glory.  Like the sign on the back of many trucks, "How are we doing?"

     At this moment in history, there is a great deal of turmoil, unrest, and dissension.  We are called to stand on the firm foundation of God's Word without wavering in our daily walk, our voting, in our conversation.  Just as Jesus was not popular when He walked on earth, we have been told we will not be either.  Salt stings sin and light pushes out the darkness and both will fight back.  Yet our Savior would remind us not to let our hearts be troubled for He has overcome this world, and we, too, will also overcome in His power and strength.  Let us go forth boldly, then, to be the salt and light that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.  Selah!

     

Our Good Shepherd

     As I was going through some books and papers I have accumulated, I found some notes I took during a sermon.  Taking notes is a habit I developed in college because it helped me recall what I heard during class and has served me well over the years as I listen to sermons.  These notes pertained to sheep.  Now I have no idea who was preaching at the time, but I know that these points stood out clearly in my mind as we are often referred to as sheep by our Lord.  In addition, our Savior is called the Good Shepherd.

     John 10:14-15 says this about Jesus Christ:  "14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep."  As believers, we are the sheep of His fold, and He watches over us.  So why do we need care and protection?  There are some characteristics of sheep that are very similar to human beings.

     First, sheep have no sense of direction.  They must be watched over carefully or they can stray and become lost.  My father thought he had a great sense of direction until we went fifty miles our of our way on a family trip (pre-GPS).  Even with GPS, we can still make a wrong turn.  The same is true in our spiritual life.  We need God's guidance daily in this fallen world. It is far too easy to get out of the pasture He has for us to graze in and get lost.

     Another truth is that sheep cannot clean themselves.  The Shepherd must remove the burrs and other things that get stuck in their wool.  Likewise, we cannot clean ourselves of sin.  Only God can cleanse us by the blood of His Son Jesus Christ.  All our good works are as filthy rags compared to God's holiness.  Therefore, we need a Savior to keep us clean (Ephesians 2:8-9).

     Third, sheep are helpless when they are injured.  A good shepherd would clean and anoint the wound with oil.  He often had to carry a lamb that was injured until it healed.  This is true for believers as well.  How frequently we think we can "tough it out" and take care of ourselves when we are hurt or sick.  In reality, we need God's healing touch to see us through. His care for us through illness, emotional pain and discouragement is like no other.

     Over and over again, the Bible refers to God as our rock and our refuge.  He is our help when trouble comes our way.  This is mirrored in the way a shepherd protects his flock.  Sheep, after all, are defenseless and easy prey for wolves, bears or lions.  David often had to do battle with these predators to protect his sheep.  God has promised to never leave or forsake us because He is the Good Shepherd of our souls in the same way.

     Because sheep have no sense of direction to guide them, they do not have the ability to find food or water.  Again, the shepherd's job was to lead them to pastures and water so they could be filled.  Psalm 23 speaks about God leading us beside the still waters and into green pastures.  In Christ, our needs are met.  He is the living water and the Bread of life that feeds our souls.  Each day by the Holy Spirits' leading we are filled afresh when we dine on God's Word and spend time in prayer.  How grateful we should be for His care!

     Like many animals, sheep are easily frightened.  They can be spooked by strange sounds or sudden movements.  In ancient times, a shepherd would soothe them with night songs.  We know that David played the harp and sang songs to the sheep during the long lonely nights.  Likewise, God sings over us, and calms our fears in the long night.  My mother used to tell me that if we wake during the night, we should pray because the Lord will put us back to sleep.  It has worked for me over the years!  His calming presence takes away the fears and doubts.

     Finally, sheep have a thick wool coat that belongs to the shepherd.  Usually once a year, the sheep are sheared and their wool is used to make clothing.  This is the reward for the shepherds diligent care.  All that we have belongs to the Lord in terms of our production and prosperity.  We are commanded to give ten percent as a tithe into God's storehouse so the Word can be preached and needs can be met.  This is a small amount compared to all the blessings He pours out on us daily.  

     Seeing ourselves as sheep under the care of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, puts a whole new meaning to God's Word when seen through the eyes of faith.  We are utterly dependent on Him.  When we stray, He will come looking for us.  If we hurt, He will bandage us up. His provision is complete and we have all we need for life and godliness.  This should encourage us even in the darkest of times.  May we live as obedient sheep in His pasture and rejoice in His presence daily!  Selah!

      

Breaking Down Strongholds

      On the radio the other day, I heard a talk show host say that our country is embroiled in a "cold Civil War".  He went on to say that it is a clash of worldview where one side believes socialism is the answer to the woes of people and the other side says our freedoms are best protected through our capitalistic free enterprise system.  Indeed, we see this clash often played out on our streets in devastating ways with businesses being destroyed and people being injured.  Certainly things have radically changed in our country since the time I grew up, and it is a concern for all of us.  What will be the future for our children and our grandchildren?

      As I pondered these thoughts, a Scripture came to my mind:  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."  So what exactly are the weapons that Paul the Apostle is talking about here?  I believe they are prayer, the Word of God and worship.  These three elements are key to defeating the enemy of our soul...Satan.   Jesus Christ encountered this enemy when He spent forty days and forty nights in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13).  For every lie Satan threw at our Lord, our Savior came back with the truth of God's Word.  It is the Sword of the Spirit, and since the devil hates the truth, he left Jesus.  This is why knowing the Bible is so critical for a Christian.

     Paul went on to expound about who our foes are in this present age in Ephesian 6:12:  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  This is why he encouraged us to put on the full armor of God so we can be prepared for the mental and spiritual assaults we face in this fallen world.  However, the greatest tool in our war chest is prayer.  We engage with God and lay out our concerns before Him.  He is the sovereign over the universe and the One who places men and women in leadership according to His plan.  While He knows what we are about to pray for before we utter a word, the exercise of prayer builds our faith in Him.  Prayer moves mountains, and does break down the stronghold of lies.  We do not have the power but we know the One true God who has all power, wisdom, and insight.  Talking with Him daily means we are constantly chipping away at the strongholds of evil in our world, and one day, they will fall like the walls of Jericho.

     Finally, when we worship God whether it is through Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs or in a church service, we are putting God on the throne and driving away the devil.  There is something healing, powerful and soothing when we lift up the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  Whether I am driving to an appointment or working out on my stationary bike, I spend time praising and praying.  The enemy of our soul and his minions cannot stay in the presence of praise and prayer.  

     We know that we are citizens of Heaven and not of this world if we belong to Jesus Christ as our LORD and Savior.  Yet, He has us here to be salt and light in a very dark world just now.  If we really want to heal divisions and overcome the darkness in our world, we must use the weapons given to us by God:  prayer, The Bible and praise.  Paul told us who we are really fighting and he told us that they would bring down strongholds if used.  Let us be busy in this season of turmoil in utilizing what God has given to us and then, trust in Him for the results.  He will not fail us nor desert us.  His Word is truth!  Selah!

In a Holding Pattern

     Years ago, our family decided to take a cruise in the Caribbean.  It was around Christmas time and we thought this would be a fun way to enjoy time together with all the beautiful decorations aboard ship.  Everyone was excited and made plans to board in Miami.  At the time, our oldest son was living and working in Ft. Myers so he arranged to have a friend drive him to the port to meet us.

     As time came for boarding, we did not see our oldest son anywhere.  He called to say that they had been caught up in traffic, but he would get there before too long.  Unfortunately, that did not turn out to be the case.  Instead, his friend took a wrong turn and they were headed away from the port.  Thus, began a series of urgent phone calls to us telling us to ask if the ship could be held.  Of course, this is not a possibility for one person.

 

   Our daughter started looking for flights from Miami to Puerto Rico as this was the first port for our ship.  We had all been called to our "muster" drill to know what to do should something happen at sea.  It seemed that the ship was being held up for one reason or another as it was taking much longer than usual to disembark.  As we were standing around concerned and worried over our son's predicament and praying for a miracle, our daughter said she saw her brother.  Sure enough...he made it!

     Later, we learned that one of the airlines that works with the cruise line had a group of passengers coming from the Northwest part of the country.  The flight had been delayed due to inclement weather, so they had to hold the ship until this group of passengers were able to make it.  Some call this luck, but I call it God's providence and mercy!  Certainly, for us, it was answered prayer.

     Each of us face "holding patterns" in life don't we?  We make our plans, and for reasons unknown, things don't seem to fall into place.  Yet, we cannot see what God sees.  Perhaps that is why I love the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 so much:  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  These words were spoken as comfort to the people of Judah who were about to go into exile in the land of Babylon for 70 years.  I am certain they were not happy with God's plan for them, but they had lived in utter disobedience to the LORD for so long.  However, God was letting them know that He would bring good out of all that would transpire.

     Over the last couple of weeks, I have heard several different pastors talking about time and its relationship to God.  They said that God is outside of time unlike us.  For Him, the past, present and future are all now.  Everything is completed in His realm and accomplished.  His name "I AM" reflects that.  For us, it is a mystery as to how this could be because we live in a time oriented world.  Therefore, with this in mind, He knows the beginning and the end of all things...we do not.  I believe one day when we see Him we will understand the things He has protected us from and why there have been many twists and turns in our path.

     What we know now is that God is good, that He loves us, that He sent His only Son to die for our sins and deliver us from eternal punishment.  We know from His Word that His promises are certain even when we cannot see how things will ever work out.  This is where faith and trust must enter the picture.

     We certainly didn't think our son would make the ship in time, but God had other plans.  He did work all things together for good on that day turning our concern into celebration.  God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).  There are many times where we are left to wonder, but we can rest in Him knowing that He has us in His hands.  Today, let us lay our burdens at His feet rejoicing in the hope of His salvation, protection and care for He knows our needs.  Selah!