Be the Salt and Light

God tells us in the Bible that we are the salt of the earth and light of the world. But what does that mean?

As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus with everyone around us. Jesus commanded the disciples (and in the bigger picture, us) in the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. I mean, why wouldn't we want to share everything that Jesus has done to people who don't yet know Him, right? Let's pause for a moment... I'm sure when you read that last question there were at least a few reasons that came to mind why you might hesitate in sharing the Good News to others. It's not the popular opinion in the workplace. You might offend someone. Others might think you're crazy. Does the list go on?

Let me be honest here, it can be hard to share our beliefs with others. At church? It's so easy. I love talking about the Bible and the amazing things Jesus has done with people from my church. In the outside world? It's hard. We live in a world where it feels that we are constantly walking on eggshells trying not to offend everyone. It never ceases to surprise me how the world is seemingly okay with so many things, but is always so quick to judge Christians and our beliefs. The thought of sharing Christianity with others can seem downright intimidating sometimes. I remember driving home from work one day thinking to myself that it's hard to be the salt and light.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

This verse was a direct quote from Jesus when He was on the earth. Actually, He was preparing the disciples for the upcoming events of His crucifixion and resurrection. My point here is that Jesus was telling this to His disciples way back then - way before all the trials and sorrows of this day and age were even a thought. Knowing that Jesus is God's Son and that God is omniscient, I can't help but wonder if God knew that that statement would be equally as encouraging or more two thousand years later as it was when Jesus said it to the disciples at that moment in the Bible. We definitely have our share of trials and sorrows in this world. Like I said before, there seems to be so much judgement towards Christianity as a whole. But we are to take heart and keep pressing forward. Why? Because Jesus has already overcome this world. Through Him, all things are possible. If you are facing hardships trying to share the Gospel, just know that God's got a plan and His plans never fail.

I've recently found a new song that's quickly become one of my favorites - "What Are We Waiting For?" by For King and Country. I actually heard them perform it live a few months ago before they released it! This song is talking about what might hold us back from sharing the Gospel with others and why we shouldn't let that stop us. One of my favorite lines from this song says, "What if we could be the light that no one could ignore?'. That has had me thinking since the first time I heard it. What if we were the light that no one could ignore? How many people would we be able to reach? I feel that we would be unstoppable. I love that song and the whole message that it's giving to us as Christians - it's time to stop making excuses, get out there, and share the Good News of our God with everyone!

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile." Romans 1:16

I remember when I was a young teen there was a commercial that aired featuring a variety of people quoting this verse. It was a call to action for Christians around the globe to stand firm on their beliefs and share with others that they were not ashamed of the Gospel. To this day, I'm still a little taken back that this commercial was played on TV - I know they wouldn't do the same thing just 10 years later because of all the people it might offend. It's definitely easier to say that you're not ashamed to share the Gospel than to actually say it and stand firm with that statement by following through. It's a bold statement. If you're not familiar with the book of Romans, it was written by Paul who was an amazing man of God. Paul who used to be Saul and persecuting Christians. Paul whose entire life turned around in one quick moment because of God and the amazing things He does. This was in just the first chapter of Romans, and Paul's life went on to show that he wasn't ashamed of the Gospel. He ended up being thrown in prison because of how much He shared about Jesus - and guess what? He continued to do the exact same thing in prison! We need to be bold like Paul sharing the Gospel in this day and age.

As hard as it can seem to share the new of Jesus with others, it's the best thing we can do. After dying on the cross and the resurrection, it's what Jesus called His disciples to do - and He's still calling us to do it now. It's time to stop making excuses and get out there. It's time for us to be the salt and light.