Agents for Change
Opening Prayer
Lord, I commit myself to You. Give me courage to speak and grace to live out those things that bring life.
Read Matthew 5:13-20
[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. [14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. [17] “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. [19] Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20] For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Do those who encounter you recognize Christ in you?When Jesus describes his followers as “salt” and “light,” he has a single strategy in mind: that we should actively engage with the society and world in which we live. Salt not only flavors food but is also a preservative, fertilizer and disinfectant. We are “salt” when we promote good and hinder evil. Light is only useful when it shines out, and Jesus says that we, too, must show God’s love to all by our acts of generosity and self-sacrifice (16). We mustn’t be like ships that never put to sea, or soldiers who only work from home! We do not live by the letter of the law, but in living by the Spirit, the law teaches us God’s ways. It gives guidance for all our relationships: with God himself, with other people, and with the whole of creation. God’s law is inspired, wonderful and good (Rom. 7:12), guiding us in ways of wisdom, harmony and safety. Without it we are like a train without rails. In Jesus’ time there was no shortage of people who observed God’s law to the letter. What do you think he means by saying we should “surpass” their efforts?
Apply
Live by the Spirit and use the freedom you have in Christ to live a life that will show the world that Jesus is alive in you.
Closing prayer
Lord, let me bring the preserving effect I am called to. Make me like a lighthouse in the storms of those around me.
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