October 27, 2008

Are You Salty?

“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. 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.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV)

This passage speaks to the testimony of the believer in the world. Whether speaking of his words or actions the believer must be careful not to damage his reputation lest he become useless for the work, and of course if he goes too far his salvation will be in question. However, let your attention remain on the former.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor can a believer be hidden once he has declared his allegiance to Christ. Why so, because God has called believers to live separated from the world. This separated lifestyle distinguishes the believer from the lost so radically that all take notice.

Now here is something to note. If the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? The answer is it cannot. This is so true of your testimony. If your testimony is damaged, the lost community will likely never listen to you again. You say, they’re not listening now. This is not true friend. They are watching and listening keenly waiting for you to fall so they can justify themselves.

Believers are to shine before men in moral purity, good works, and Gospel message that they may see your good works and glorify God in heaven. Don’t think your holy living, and bold proclamation of the Word is of no value. It may appear to be ignored, but in reality it is not. It is true many hearts are hard, and some made harder by your witness, but it is noticed.

Therefore, take courage, and guard yourselves against sin. Don’t be the cause for people to blaspheme the name of God. Rather, live in such a way that God is glorified.