For April 11, 2021
We all were once aliens, but God reconciled us to Himself through faith in Jesus Christ and called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Using His example as our model, we can form and nurture meaningful relationships that improve our social condition that advance the causes of others and allow others to experience the respect and dignity they deserve.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes our impact on the world around us as salt and light,
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt 
loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13—16 NKJV).
We are created in God’s image—equal human beings—with the capacity to treat other human beings with sincerity, honor, and respect regardless of class or gender. Thus, it is possible to interact peacefully with others without bigotry and prejudicial lawlessness.
However, I am saddened by the heightening social hostility where people should express civility, tact, and understanding. I can understand how the unfortunate events in out history, (i.e., slavery, segregation, discrimination, etc.) continue to evoke rage in many people today.
Nevertheless, ours is not a perfect world. The exploitation and victimization that occur around the world remind us of: a) the presence of sin in the world, b) no one race/culture can point fingers since we all are guilty of exploitation and victimization, and c) there is much work to be done everywhere—within all races!
In other words, no one particular race “cornered the market” on victimization or being victimized. Other races have either imposed or faced discrimination, injustice, and hostility as well. No one should ever keep a record of past wrongs as some self-appointed vigilante. If all of us did this, there would be no one left standing since we are equal debtors. The Lord rightly says in John 8:7 (NKJV), “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”
Being salt and light applies to all areas of our daily, human interaction as we become expressions of Christ’s prophetic role by filtering everything we think, say, and do through a Bible-based perspective. In other words, we are people of the Bible who abide by its principles. Although we may listen to secular experts, the Word of God is the lamp for our feet that lights our path every day (Psalm 119:105).
We also exhibit His priestly role by being the living, holy sacrifices that are always acceptable unto God. Here, we intentionally consecrate every area of our lives to God through daily obedience so that the Lord’s perfect plan for others and us will always prevail. Jesus taught that to follow Him; we have to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him daily (Matthew 16:24).
Then we live out His kingly role through our responsible and accountable service to others. Here again, we express prudence and justice in all our dealings with others. Exploitation of children, euthanasia, and human trafficking have no place where Christ’s scepter of righteousness and eternal justice exists (Psalm 45:6).
The unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God; we are bought with a price and belong to the Lord exclusively (1 Corinthians 6:9, 20). Thus, our bodies are to glorify God as we do all we can to please Him because it is the right and proper thing to do.
I believe being the Lord’s salt and light can heal nations as we practice a pure religion that is Spirit-driven and undefiled before God and the world around us. Let’s try being who we really are—God’s salt and light to spice up and illuminate a tasteless, dark world.
What a Wonderful Savior!