Matthew 5:13-16
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 under foot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.
Whenever I read this passage, I’m reminded of “This Little Light of Mine” from childhood church. From those early years on up, I thought Jesus was directing us to share his message to others and to be a beacon to those who were longing for a relationship with our Savior. While I still believe that message is true, this passage spoke to me differently this time.
I’ve been thinking a lot in recent days about all of the times when Christianity fell to the wrong side of history. How often has collective Christianity “lost its saltiness” and “hid its lamp under a bowl”? How often have Christian actions sullied the name of Jesus? The Crusades, the Inquisition, and forced conversions of native groups in the New World are glaring examples of times when Christians extinguished any light shining around them! We can all think of examples from more recent times that could be added to this litany of darkness.
It dawned on me for the very first time when reading this passage that not only is our light meant to share God’s message beyond our church walls, but we are to be salt and light for one another within the church. God never meant for us to go it alone in our Christian walk. I need you to help light my way, and you need me to help light yours. We truly need to pray for one another, to hold each other accountable, and to encourage. It may be oversimplifying, but perhaps Christianity’s light would shine brighter if we stuck together a little tighter. Holding tight to one another and the simple message of Jesus might just save us from collectively “going to the dark side” in word and deed.
Blessings to all this week,
Diana Kongkeattikul
Recent Comments