“Let Your Light
Shine Before Others”
When
Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain; and after he sat down, his
disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed
are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed
are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
“Blessed
are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
“Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
“Blessed
are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
“Blessed
are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
“Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
“Blessed
are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven.”
“Blessed
are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil
against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is
great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were
before you.”
“You
are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its
saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and
trampled under foot.”
“You
are the light of the world. A city build on a hill cannot be hid. No one after
lighting a lamp outs it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand,
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 in heaven.”
Matthew 5:1-16
The
power to influence will come to mean something significant to you as you begin
your journey as a follower of Christ. You will want to live under the influence
of Christ, and you will want to also be an influencer of others by pointing
them to the Savior.
Salt
and light are influential factors in a dark and corrupting world, and Christ,
who is the Light of the world, calls us to be lights of influence as well. The
Master who modeled perfect unity calls us to be salt that adds flavor and
prevents corruption.
May we
not only be influenced by Christ but also be influencers for Christ in a needy world.
As the “salt of the earth,”
Christians will make others thirsty for the “Water of
Life.”
Our Daily Bread –