Family
Honor: The Distinctive Mark of God’s Family (2)
Scriptural
Text: Matthew
5:13 – 16
We
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.
We
are the light of the world. A city 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, we need to let our light shine before men, that they
may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.
God’s
Distinctive Mark for His Family
God
wants His people to stand out from the crowd – so He sets
us apart, special! To each repentant soul that comes to Him, God
grants a portion of His Holy Spirit so that it would bear His branding
– as a quality product redeemed by the Maker Himself. It would
no longer be the former low quality, condemned product it once was
– but it would now be a life of quality and purpose, redeemed
and refined by the Maker Himself (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Why
God wants us to stand out
God
wants us to stand out so the world will know that we represent the
genuine article. There are many ‘truths’ in this world.
Every religion claims to be right. But God wants us to stand out
for Him and be different from the other religions – so that
the world will know there is ONE TRUTH.
That
there is only ONE God and Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
One
common distinctive mark of Christians
One
common distinctive mark of Christians is that we are to be like
the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16).
Salt
serves three main purposes, which Christians also need to fulfill.
Firstly, salt adds flavor to food. Similarly, we are meant to bring
out the best in people around us by building and encouraging them.
Secondly,
just as salt preserves food from corrosion, we need to preserve
those around us from sin.
Thirdly,
salt was used in the ancient Middle Eastern times as a seal of agreement.
Similarly, we must remember our agreement with God to follow Him.
LIGHT
of the world
Light
works on two basic principles. It travels in all directions and
in straight lines. Similarly, we need to share the gospel with everyone
around us. Also, we need to be honest with what we do and believe
in.
Flushing
Out
God
wants us to stay clear from anything that might contaminate us.
Repent and flush out what is not of God from our hearts and minds
or else we would lose our saltiness and light, and become worthless.
-
Ps Joel Yong
Prayer
Response
Let’s
close by praying for those among us who have lost their saltiness
and shine. Thank God it is not yet the last day – when judgment
is pronounced. Let’s return to Him while there is still time
and seek His renewal of our heart and minds, in repentance –
trusting in His grace and mercy to do so. Amen.