(Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 9:50)
In most of our prayer sessions we tell Jesus with emphasis how the world is corrupt, bad, wicked, evil etc. Yes, God knows the world is evil. He knows the world is wicked. He knows the world system is corrupt. He knows the world is bad. However, in all these, Jesus is telling us that we are the light and salt of the world.
So, why “salt of the world” and why “light of the world”.
Where do we need salt? Is it in a bag of salt or a bowl of salt? No, we need salt where there is little or no salt. Where do we need light? Is it in daytime? Is it in a well-lited room? No, we need light where darkness is present- where there is little or no light.
Hence, Jesus says “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
Here, He is not saying in the midst of angels or saints but in the midst of wolves. The wolves is not expected to be good but evil, bad and wicked. However, He says “be wise as serpent”.
So, brethren we must be as wise as the Serpent. This means we should not lose our guide but be careful. We must not put ourself in danger line of the world’s evil or wickedness. We should not because God is watching over us think we can afford to be carefree or lower our guard. No! Always remember Jesus is saying be careful while you go about this task.
“… and harmless as doves.”
Yes, as the “tender and innocent looking” dove, we should be harmless. Not to repay evil with evil or wickedness with wickedness and not repay corruption with corruption.
2 Corinthians 5:20a Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.
We are ambassador for God (some Bible version called this representative). As ambassadors are to countries so also we are for God, to this world.
Where darkness fills the world, we should be the light.
Where the world is corrupt, we God’s children should be the salt which removes corruption and preserve the world for our God.
Matthew 5:14 … A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under a bushel, but on a lamp stand; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
The hill or lampstand required are the opportunities available to us to do good. So, please get hold of them and do good that people will see your good work and glorify our Father in heaven. Let doing good be what we are living and existing for.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
If we are the ambassadors through who people magnify God. How do we think God regards us?
If anyone makes people belittle the person of Christ, how do we think, God regard such person?
If salt loses its flavour, with which shall it be salted? It is thereafter good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. This will not be our portion in Jesus name!
Prayer points
1) Father do not let my salt and light go bad in Jesus name.
2) In Jesus name, by grace and mercy of God, I will not me be involved in things that heaven will be sorrowful for.
3)My Lord, help me to do that which will make the world know You and magnify You.
4) Whatever the devil can use to take away my saltiness and light, Holy Spirit destroy it in Jesus name.
5) Father, in Jesus name, when opportunity comes to do good, I will not disappoint You.
