Tues Inspiration

Morning Inspiration with Pastor Merritt

Jesus used two profound phrases--one about salt, the other about light--to describe a Christ-follower. We can learn from these phrases how to live our lives in a way that influences others toward Christ every day.

1. Show a godly life to others.

"You are the salt of the earth..." Matthew 5:13

In Jesus' time, salt was of great value as a preservative. Romans used it to pay people's wages--the word salary comes from the Latin root word for salt. Ever heard someone say, "He's not worth his weight in salt?" So Jesus reminds us that our lives are of tremendous value as we season the earth with our influence.

Are you salt in your school, business, neighborhood, office, or athletic team? Jesus also reminded us that we are ineffective if we "lose our saltiness". When Christians look like the world, conforming to culture instead of transforming it, our influence lessens. What are simple ways you can talk about your faithwith friends and neighbors? Have you ever sat down quietly on an issue of faith when you should have stood confidently?

2. Shine a godly light to others.

"You are the light of the world..." Matthew 5:14

In Jesus' time, cities were built on the ruins of older settlements. Almost all cities were on hills of some type. At night, their lights were visible from great distances in the dark surroundings. Our world today is spiritually dark, and followers of Jesus are a light in a dark place.

Shining your faith does not have to be obnoxious or threatening. But it can be a visible light. Don't be afraid to put a Bible on your desk, or say a blessing over a meal in public, or let people know you re praying for them. Have the courage to invite people to church. If our faith is the most important thing in all of life, then it deserves center-stage in our daily actions. What are simple things you are doing to be a spiritual light to a dark world?