The Scripture declares - "Ye are the salt of the earth..."(Matthew 5:13). 

 

Salt preserves from decay and destruction. By your godly lifestyle, instruction, influence, and example - how many people have you kept from moral destruction over this past year?

 

The Scriptures declare -

 

Matthew 5:14 - "Ye are the light of the world..."

Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Daniel 12:3 - "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever."

 

In what ways have you been diffusing the Light of Life unto others?

By your holy life and example...pure conversation...and faithful instruction from God's Word - have you sought to illuminate or give light unto others?

Just as the sun renders objects visible by its light, have you - by your godly witness - explained life to others - that is, God's ways...man's condition and duty before Him...Satan's desire to destroy the souls of all mankind...eternity in Heaven or Hell, etc.?

 

Is your main motive in life to "glorify your Father which is in heaven"? Have you done that by being "wise" - by being pious...serving Him and keeping His commandments...living for Him and heaven...and choosing the path that wisdom suggests?

 

The Prophet Daniel compared those that "be wise" to bright and beautiful stars in the heavenly glory. On a scale of 1-10, exactly how bright is your "star" or Gospel witness - shining against the backdrop of the darkness of this world?

In the midst of your brethren - the other "stars" - are you illustriously distinguished by your clear confession of Faith in the Lord Jesus and your pure life?

Is your light conspicuously bright - due to the fact that you are constantly bringing sinners to the knowledge of the truth...turning men to righteousness from the error of their ways...and provoking others to worship, love, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ - the One and Only True and Living God?

Are you distinguished among other believers because of the splendor and size of your "star" - due to your toils, sacrifices, and success in preaching the Gospel unto others in all places and at all times?

 

The Scriptures also declare - "Ye are...A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid"(Matthew 5:14). 

 

Many of the cities of Judah were situated on summits on the sides of the mountains. From this location, they were easily seen by all.

On your job or in your family or neighborhood, can your godly actions and lifestyle be seen by all? Is it evident to all that you are a Christian?

 

Lastly, the Scriptures declare - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord"(2 Corinthians 3:18).  

 

The mirrors of the ancients were made of highly polished brass and reflected images with great brilliancy and distinctness. In this particular verse, the Apostle Paul likens the Gospel unto such a mirror - reflecting the full splendor of the Glory of the Lord - His righteousness, true holiness, splendor, and majesty - unto all and through all those who contemplate it.

 

Is it evident to others that you have been looking into this "open face" "glass"?

Have you been brought into conformity to the teachings of the Gospel?

On a scale of 1-10, how much "glory" are you reflecting unto others?

To what degree have you been changed "by the Spirit of the Lord" from "glory to glory" and "strength to strength"?

Can others see your continual growth and advancement in moral purity and holiness - due to your contemplation of the "glory of the Lord" in the Gospel?

Is it evident to all - especially your family - that you are assimilating the character, mannerisms, or "image" of the Lord Jesus day by day? 

 

Sadly, the Bible talks about those who - like "salt" - have lost their savor - "...but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing..."(Matthew 5:13). 

 

Salt is found in veins or layers in the earth. That which is exposed to the rain, sun, or air becomes impure and loses its saltness. On the other hand, that which is connected to the rock retains its savor.

 

Perhaps there are those reading this message who have been exposed to great trials and testings - rain, sun, or air. Somehow you got separated from the Rock - so to speak - and now you find yourself lifeless and ineffectual.

 

Your answer is to once again get connected to the Rock. That is where your effectiveness lies - in your relationship with the Lord Jesus - the Rock of all ages.

 

The Scriptures also warn us of those who want to "light a candle" but then hide it under a "bushel" - "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house"(Matthew 5:15).

 

The "bushel" in this verse represents anything that might serve to conceal the "light." Perhaps there are those who have allowed the "fear of man" or a "man-pleasing spirit" to cover their "light" - their Gospel witness - from others. Are you one who has been ashamed to witness for the Lord to your family, friends, coworkers, etc.? Have you allowed others to intimidate you into keeping silent or hiding your "light" under a "bushel"?

 

 

 

Connie