The world needs God.  Will you be a vessel to bring God into the world?

   Jesus called us to be “salt” and “light”.  Not just to us and those we know that follow Jesus, but to the world.  “You are the salt of the earth. …  You are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:13,14]  We are not in the world for the world to change us.  We are Christians.  We are called to change the world.

   We are not called to be a bland salt.  No, we are called to be salty to change the world, much like good salt changes the flavor of food.  “But if the salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”  Our saltiness must change the world.  Otherwise, it is only good to be “trampled underfoot” (ice melt?).  We would not want to be that type of salt.

   And what of light?  Would anyone want a weak light?  No, we want a light that brightens the whole room so that we can see and not stumble.  We are to be that light to others.  Sure, some may prefer the darkness. (John 3:19)  “But whoever lives the truth comes to the light.” [John 3:21]

   And is it not interesting that Jesus identifies Himself as “the light” in John 3 and yet he calls us the “light of the world” in Matthew 5?  As Christians, we are to be Christ-like.  Jesus confronted sinners in love.  He wanted them to go to Heaven.  Those that knew better, the Pharisees, He used some of His harshest words.  But the prostitutes, tax collectors, etc., He showed a softer love often ending with something akin to “go and sin no more.”  His desire was for them to go to Heaven.  That is how we are to be “salt” and “light”.  By first desiring eternal happiness for those we are to help.

   Jesus, help us to be a vessel to bring God into this crazy world.  It needs you, but moreover, I need you.  Enlighten my soul with full love and desire that I and all people go to Heaven.  Fill me with the courage to be salt and light to this world, every day.  Amen.