"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
-Matthew 5:13-16 (NASB)
-Matthew 5:13-16 (NASB)
One of my many joys is sharing story books with my daughter. Introducing her to some of my favorite books, allowing her to discover her own favorites, and even creating new books have meant spending time together sharing, learning, and growing. As we have shared stories, I have witnessed the impact of pictures in these story books. Whether Scuffy the tug boat, Mike Mulligan's steam shovel, Jonah and the big fish, Joseph's multicolored coat, or examples of how to be caring, the pictures are what stand out in my memories of childhood story books.
Jesus tells us that we are the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). We offer seasoning that can enhance the flavor of life for those around us. We can offer guidance as the light shining in the darkness. These are blessings, but they are also responsibilities. Just think: If a series of pictures in a children's book can stay in someone's memory and elicit emotions, then how large is the impact of a series of our actions on friends, family, students, coworkers, neighbors, or even strangers? Positive interactions (the salt) and actions (the light) rooted in God's love can touch people in ways we may never know or witness. As the salt, our role is not to overtake the "flavor" or talents of others, but to enhance the best gifts of those around us. As the light, we should not be blinding, but rather a model of God's love so His light can shine through us as a guide in the darkness.
God is the source of our saltiness and the fuel for our light. We need to remember that to maintain our saltiness and fuel reserves for our light, we must maintain our relationship with Him. With God's grace and blessing, our actions and interactions can form living story books for Him to the benefit of everyone we meet!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your willingness to have a relationship with me. I ask that You help me to use my unique gifts and talents to be a living story book that shows Your love and glory to all the people that I meet. Give me the wisdom to know how and when to be the salt and how and when to be the light. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Jesus tells us that we are the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). We offer seasoning that can enhance the flavor of life for those around us. We can offer guidance as the light shining in the darkness. These are blessings, but they are also responsibilities. Just think: If a series of pictures in a children's book can stay in someone's memory and elicit emotions, then how large is the impact of a series of our actions on friends, family, students, coworkers, neighbors, or even strangers? Positive interactions (the salt) and actions (the light) rooted in God's love can touch people in ways we may never know or witness. As the salt, our role is not to overtake the "flavor" or talents of others, but to enhance the best gifts of those around us. As the light, we should not be blinding, but rather a model of God's love so His light can shine through us as a guide in the darkness.
God is the source of our saltiness and the fuel for our light. We need to remember that to maintain our saltiness and fuel reserves for our light, we must maintain our relationship with Him. With God's grace and blessing, our actions and interactions can form living story books for Him to the benefit of everyone we meet!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your willingness to have a relationship with me. I ask that You help me to use my unique gifts and talents to be a living story book that shows Your love and glory to all the people that I meet. Give me the wisdom to know how and when to be the salt and how and when to be the light. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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