The Visible Life of Faith
Today's Reading:
Matthew 5:1–16
Key Verse:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are 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 5:13–16)
Devotional
Knowing we were built with purpose and knowing how to live that out practically are two very different things. Thankfully, in today's reading, Jesus gives us some great guidance on what it looks like in the real world to really bear the image of God.
His analogies are simple, yet profound. Salt preserves and enhances. Light reveals what is hidden and guides in the dark. Here, Jesus brings back the language of Genesis and Psalm 8, placing it squarely and prominently in our daily lives.
In Genesis 1:26-28 we read that mankind was made to bear His image, to rule, and to steward the earth. We were given a job: to extend His goodness, order, and presence throughout into all of the created earthly realm.
In Psalm 8 we learned humanity was also given glory and honor; we were given status, if you will. While we were made "a little lower than the elohim (God or the angels)", it was on us that He bestowed the unique responsibility to advance His likeness and His character. Jesus simply calls us back to our original vocation in being the salt and light of the earth.
He isn't calling us to something He made up for the New Covenant, He's restoring His original idea, the original intent of creating us in the first place. As we walk in obedience to His commands, we flavor and preserving the world with the salt of His goodness. We shed the light of real and tangible hope into a dark and dying world. And we do it in a very public way for others to see and observe. Not with self-serving, ostentatious flair, but with humility we integrate this mandate into every aspect of our lives so the world around us knows nothing else of us except for the image of the One we bear.
As we do so, the Kingdom of Heaven slowly and quietly advances through our lives which reflect the only true source of light for the souls of men. It is through our devoted and submitted lives that God's rule spreads throughout the earth, not by coercion or force, but by simple and humble obedience.
Today, live with calculated intentional obedience. Let your words and actions as well as the thoughts and focus of your heart point beyond yourself and towards Him.
His analogies are simple, yet profound. Salt preserves and enhances. Light reveals what is hidden and guides in the dark. Here, Jesus brings back the language of Genesis and Psalm 8, placing it squarely and prominently in our daily lives.
In Genesis 1:26-28 we read that mankind was made to bear His image, to rule, and to steward the earth. We were given a job: to extend His goodness, order, and presence throughout into all of the created earthly realm.
In Psalm 8 we learned humanity was also given glory and honor; we were given status, if you will. While we were made "a little lower than the elohim (God or the angels)", it was on us that He bestowed the unique responsibility to advance His likeness and His character. Jesus simply calls us back to our original vocation in being the salt and light of the earth.
He isn't calling us to something He made up for the New Covenant, He's restoring His original idea, the original intent of creating us in the first place. As we walk in obedience to His commands, we flavor and preserving the world with the salt of His goodness. We shed the light of real and tangible hope into a dark and dying world. And we do it in a very public way for others to see and observe. Not with self-serving, ostentatious flair, but with humility we integrate this mandate into every aspect of our lives so the world around us knows nothing else of us except for the image of the One we bear.
As we do so, the Kingdom of Heaven slowly and quietly advances through our lives which reflect the only true source of light for the souls of men. It is through our devoted and submitted lives that God's rule spreads throughout the earth, not by coercion or force, but by simple and humble obedience.
Today, live with calculated intentional obedience. Let your words and actions as well as the thoughts and focus of your heart point beyond yourself and towards Him.
Reflection
Take a few moments to think over your life, daily practices, and habits. Does the everyday ebb and flow of the rhythms of life reflect the beauty and majesty of the One we serve? Are there areas of your life you'd rather keep hidden, lest anyone see the tarnished image instead of one characterized by salt and light?
Where can you walk today in closer obedience to His commands; bearing a clearer image of His nature and character?
Where can you walk today in closer obedience to His commands; bearing a clearer image of His nature and character?
Prayer
Father, give me the courage today to align my life with yours in such a way that the world sees past me and sees only You and Your goodness. Let my life testify to the glory of your rule and reign throughout all the earth you allow me to touch. Amen.
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1 Comment
Gal. 1 vs.10 is what I try to live by. To paraphrase, am I try to please man, or living for God and his way. If I remember that then I am drawing closer minute by minute.