BEING SALT OF THE EARTH

Today’s Scripture: Matthew 5:13

"You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

Today’s Daily Devotion

Jesus is making a statement of fact here when He says, “You are the salt of the earth!” It is not a command or wish list. It is to be reality here and now. The implication is that we are to be what God has already made us to be.

The context is Christians facing persecution. Their numbers are small and they are insignificant. Salt is cheap in some places and expensive in others. We have the saying that a man is worth his weight in salt! Its value may vary yet it has unusual properties that far exceed its value.

This is what should happen when Christians take their stand for God in society. That stand for good renders society infertile for the growth of evil and ungodly influences. When England went through revival under the ministry of the Wesley’s and George Whitefield in the 18th century, a possible bloody revolution such as afflicted France was averted.

Usually it happens on a more moderate scale. Conversations moderated, consciences pricked, respect for others heightened.

The Disciples of Christ did not remain silent about their faith. They did not hide themselves, but lived and worked in places where their influence may be felt. So the light that was in them could then be most fully manifested to others so that they may see the light of real Christian goodness. It is a light not of this world but coming from God, and may in consequence be led to give honor and praise to its Giver.

I read about a seminary in Indonesia that reflects this teaching of Jesus. The seminary is surrounded by a Muslim community where many live in poverty. Rather than live in an isolated enclave, the school and students serve this community with the love of Jesus. They teach literacy lessons; they provide first-aid medical care; they distribute food and clothing to the hungry and naked.

During an outbreak of violence by extremists against churches in the area, an angry Muslim mob approached the seminary one night chanting their slogans and waving their machetes. 

When they arrived at the buildings, they found a circle of Muslim people surrounding the campus holding hands in a large circle. They said to the extremists, “We will not allow you to destroy this school. These people help us and our children with all our needs. You may not harm them!” The mob disappeared.  

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Being salt and light in the community also has its rewards.

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Today I resolve to live my life for Jesus in a way
that will positively “salt” my community.

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PRAYER
Help me, Lord, to stand for the good and be a
salty influence for You in the world around me.

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Planted by God's River

Today’s Text is: Psalm 1:1-3

 “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

Today’s Devotion

Think about this truth: God has prepared unimaginable joys for us! In fact, He wants to bless us in every part of our lives. He wants us to “prosper and be in health” (3 John 1:2), to be victorious, and “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).

The Bible is filled with descriptions of God’s blessings and with His instructions for how we can receive them. And there is no clearer path to blessings than putting into practice the insights found in the first Psalm.

The key here is being filled with God’s Word. This includes bothknowing His Word and putting it into practice. This pattern leads to a life that is fruitful and productive. The psalmist describes how blessings will flow into our lives, with every need supplied in abundance. A life based on God’s Word enables us to be stable and strong.

The Bible pictures us as being “like trees planted along the riverbank.” We don’t need to rush or worry, for His nourishment by this constant stream provides everything we need. We can rest, be confident, and experience God’s peace, knowing that we will “prosper” in everything we do.

But this passage also warns that these blessings can be blocked. How? If we join with mockers, listen to sinners, or “follow the advice of the wicked.” The ungodly are not stable but are like “the chaff which the wind drives away.” They aren’t able to “stand in the judgment.”

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Today, prepare yourself for God’s blessings. Make sure you are rooted and grounded in the Lord, trusting in Him and delighting in His Word. This will help you steer clear of the path of sinners, enabling you to receive God’s amazing blessings.

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Today’s Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be pleasing in Your sight. I seek Your wisdom, and I delight in Your Word. Thank You for Your blessings and favor! In Jesus’ name Amen

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The Power of an Example

Today’s Scripture:  Philippians 3:17

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 

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One of the reasons God may have chosen Paul to write most of the New Testament is that he wanted us to know him well. The Holy Spirit may have wanted us to grasp Paul’s thinking, motives, attitudes, and choices all the way from the book of Acts through his epistles. Paul’s life ambition was evangelism, his focus was the cross, and his motive was Christ and Christ alone. No wonder the Spirit of God inspired Paul to say to us, “Join with others in following my example.” And Paul could say that without a hint of smug self righteousness.

Faced with accusers? Paul holds his tongue and points to the facts. Assaulted by hardships? He says they will all fit together for good. Confronted with injustice? He patiently states his case and moves forward. Slapped with false imprisonment? He sings praises to God in his cell. Harassed by death threats? He says it would merely send him home sooner to glory. Hounded by loneliness? Paul fixes his eyes on heavenly glories above.

Read the book of Philippians with an eye on Paul’s example. See how in Philippians 3:4–8 he lists all his religious credentials and then calls them “rubbish.” Not only did he consider his religious achievements and awards worthless, he thought they were damning (there is nothing God hates more than a religious spirit). Follow Paul’s example. Let’s not take pleasure in our regular church attendance or pride in how many committees we serve on. Let’s take pleasure in pleasing Christ and Christ alone.

Remember, you are an example to others — whether for good or bad.

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Today’s Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the example of godly men like the apostle Paul. Help me to learn from his life and make the Cross my focus, evangelism my motive, and the glory of Christ my goal.

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It's easy to get caught up in Check List Christianity, mentally checking off church attendance, going to Bible study, or serving in children's ministry and feeling confident in our religious credentials. But Paul's godly example is pleasing Christ and Christ alone. So what type of example are you sharing with others?

What are your thoughts on this devotional? I would love to hear from you. Please leave your comments on my blog! Thanks!