This is an on-going series having to do with the role of a Christian in the culture in which he or she lives. We are looking at some passages of scripture that speak to this subject. One of the passages that tells us something about Christians engaging the culture in which we live is Matthew 5:13-16.
Take a moment to read the passage.
Pause . . .
Have you read it? Come on, it’ll just take a minute.
Okay.
Salt and Light
The basic idea behind the metaphors of salt and light is that those who follow Christ have an important role in the world. Again, we’re not supposed to pull away from the world. We’re not supposed to build up holy walls of protection and keep “scary, worldly” people away from us. Christians are supposed to be living in the world with the victorious power of Jesus—who, after all, is the true king, the risen and victorious king—and we’re supposed to be the influence.
Those who live for Jesus are supposed to bring the influence of Jesus to the world. We’re supposed to be seasoning this world, like salt seasons food. We’re supposed to bring the light of Jesus to this world and dispel darkness.
I suspect the previous statement—about bringing the influence of Jesus to the world—might be interpreted by some folks to mean that we’re supposed to shove our ideas and beliefs and values down everybody’s throats and they’re all supposed to live the way we Christians tell them to live. I realize that sometimes Christians haven’t been very wise and effective and gentle and discerning in the way that they present the truths of Christ. I really don’t think being an influence for Jesus means forcing Christianity, or Christian concepts on people who have no interest in them and want to be left alone.
Perhaps the most important part of the seasoning of Jesus and the light of Jesus is the love and the grace and the truth and the forgiveness and the LIFE that he brings. Jesus offers life. He offers good life. He offers the best life. Jesus knows how to live.
If we are followers of his, we have to believe that he knows better than anyone else how to live. He knows what’s good. He knows what will bring the most joy and fulfillment to our lives. He knows how we can live with true meaning and dignity and achievement and purpose.
Dallas Willard says, “The correct perspective is to see following Christ not only as the necessity it is, but as the fulfillment of the highest human possibilities and as life on the highest plane.”
One of the most significant ways that Christians can be salt and life is by living the way that Jesus calls us to live. Life lived the way God intends it to be lived is attractive and compelling.
Perfect? No.
Free from troubles and problems? No.
In fact, I’ve long felt that when imperfections and troubles and problems are faced and handled with the grace and dignity and courage that is available through God’s Holy Spirit, it unmistakably demonstrates the truth of Jesus.
A life directed by God will be attractive to everyone. Okay, maybe not everyone, but to most people—or, at least, many people.
Alright, fine, I don’t know exactly how many people will find it attractive, but it will be attractive because it’s the right way to live and many/most/all/some people will sense that in their hearts.
It’s the influence of Jesus—which is good and positive, it’s the highest and the best and the brightest for each life—that we are called to bring to the world.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
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