9th Day of Christmas

Salt and Light

“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 underfoot. 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 its 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.” Matthew 5:13-16​ NIV

Read and reread these four verses several times.
Read them aloud.
Read them silently.
Read them in a different translation.
Emphasize different words each time you read this passage.
Retell this passage to yourself in your own words.

Reflect: This passage of scripture is encouraging. As Christ-followers, we are the “salt” that flavours the planet on which we live! Because He lives in us, we have the privilege of shining His light in this world that is often dark. When we look around us, we see places, relationships, situations, and conversations that are flavourless and dark. They could use a Jesus-infusion - one of flavour and illumination. 

• Where is God currently bringing flavour and light through you? 
• Which relationships are healthier because Jesus is present in you? 
• What rooms are brighter because He is shining through you? 

While encouraging, this passage of scripture can also be challenging. While we rejoice that He chooses us through whom to bring his flavor, light, and love to those around us, we must also ask ourselves hard questions. 

• Am I losing or have I lost saltiness in any area of my life? 
• In what relationships or places is my light dimming, hidden, or gone dark? 

We may already sense these places in our lives. However, God may need to reveal these to us through divine revelation or through a close friend or loved one who can speak into this.

Reread these verses again, maybe several times. Picture, imagine or visualize the God-flavours on this earth. Picture, imagine, visualize the God-colours in our world. Ask God to show you these flavours and colours in the context where you are planting the Gospel. 

• What could it look like if these flavours were stronger? 
• If the colours were brighter? 

Ask Him to reveal Himself to you more and more so that you can’t hold it in. You must share about His goodness. Ask Him to renew your saltiness and light.

Pray: Jesus, show me where and how you are using my God-given influence to make this world a better place. Reveal to me the faces and places that are more flavorful and brighter because of your Gospel presence in me. I thank you for these faces and places. I ask you to shine even brighter through me today, this week, and going forward.

Lord, reveal to me where I am losing or have lost saltiness or light. If I already know the place, situation, or relationship, I repent and turn from this complacency. If I am unaware, speak this directly to me now. Gently reveal it to me. Help me see where I need you.