Read Matthew 5:10-16 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “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 by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
There’s truth to the saying “opposites attract.” And while our “oppositeness” can create tension - being different also has the potential to make an incredible impact.
When Jesus introduced His followers to the concept of being salt and light, He knew that being different would create tension, but it was the key to making a difference.
Early Christians knew what this was all about. They were misunderstood and maligned in many ways because they were committed to Jesus. So how is it that these early Christians, many who were mere peasants with no political leverage, would one day convince the Emperor Constantine to declare Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire? It was the power of salt and light of their lives.
In ancient times, salt was a valuable commodity. It added flavor to food, and preserved meat. As there was no electricit, oil lamps were essential for light.
Historical scholars believe that, among other dynamics, it was the Christians’ acts of compassion over the course of time that eventually transformed Roman society. The Romans had legalized “death by exposure,” in which an unwanted baby could be left in a garbage dump to die. Christians were known to rescue these abandoned children. When serve plagues ravaged the empire, townspeople fled to the mountains leaving behind members of their own family who were dying. It was the Christians who risked their lives to stay in the villages and minister to the victims. Their good works made a recognizable difference as they preserved precious lives and shone the light of Jesus’ love i the darkest places.
As we face the tension of living for Jesus in our post-modern society, think of the incredible contribution we can make with our oppositeness - acts of love instead of self-centeredness, integrity amid an often-dishonest world, and generosity in the face of greed.
Fill the salt-shaker and dust off your old lamp… it’s time to attract others to the difference of Jesus today!
-Joe Stowell-
Responding - Be intentional - pray for an opportunity to contribute the difference of Jesus to someone today.
Following - In spite of tension, it’s the difference that makes a difference!
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