Salt and Light

Service is often seen as a list of tasks we check off—we volunteer at church, help a neighbor, or donate to charity. But what if service is more than just a checklist? What if it's a way of life that reflects our identity in Christ and our relationship with the world around us? What if it needs to became like breathing for us?

"And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one."
John 17:11

As followers of Christ, we're called to navigate the tension of being in the world but not conforming to it. We're called to be distinct, to be set apart, and to serve with a purpose that transcends our own preferences and desires.

I need to admit, I don't like baked beans. I want to like baked beans, but I just don't. I'm not sure if it's the texture or it's actually the taste, but there's a genuine gag reflex that I have when I try to eat them. One summer, I was living in Chesterton, Indiana as a youth and worship intern at a local church. There was an elderly lady there named Betty. She, in her own way, adopted me as her son that summer. We talked every Sunday, and she would check on me occasionally throughout the week. At the end of summer, she approached me at my going away potluck and said, "John. I know you don't like baked beans, but I promise you, you've never had beans like mine." If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I could probably put my kids through college. Needless to say, she followed that up by putting a massive spoonful of those beans on my plate. She then proceeded to wait so that she could watch the pure bliss of me eating those beans and proving her right. All I can say is that she walked away thinking I was a changed man who now saw the light. The truth is, I faked it so that a sweet little lady would feel good that day. While I didn't change my position on the nastiness of baked beans, I was able to be kind and show love to a lady that really just wanted to be a blessing to me.
 
Sometimes, being in the world means being in situations where we're uncomfortable and out of our element. It can mean doing things we're uncomfortable with in order to help others. There are even times where we will look like the oddball, because we think and believe differently than those around us.

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
John 15:19

It's a bit like being the odd one out, but in a good way. We're called to be different, to stand out, and to shine a light in the darkness.

When we take a step back, we can see that there are some real contrasts between a Christian worldview and the broader worldview that many have today. The world often embraces moral relativism, where truth is seen as subjective and personal. But as Christians, we uphold the Bible as the absolute truth, providing a clear moral and ethical framework. This can lead to conflicts when we are seen as rigid or outdated by today's standards.

Then there's the issue of self-centeredness versus selflessness. The world sees personal success, happiness, and fulfillment as priorities above all else. But Christianity calls for selflessness. We encourage each other to serve others and put the needs of others before our own, leaning on Jesus' example.

We also live in a world that glorifies materialism. As a disciple of Christ, we should focus more on spiritual richness. Today's culuture often equates success with material wealth and possessions. But Christianity teaches that true richness comes from a relationship with God and spiritual growth, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal. For the typical American, winning the lottery is the greatest thing that could happen in anyone's life. For the Christian, bringing another soul to Christ and making disciples brings eternal riches that mere money doesn't compare to.

As Christians, we're called to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the things that truly matter. We're called to be salt and light, preserving truth and illuminating the darkness.

"You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:13-16

Being salt and light means living in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth. It means serving others with humility and grace, just as Jesus did. It means being a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs it.

So, how do we live out this core value of service? It starts with understanding our identity in Christ. We are His disciples, a people who are following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and who are committed to the mission of Jesus. Whatever that looks like in your daily routine, we are called to serve with love, guided by the Holy Spirit, and committed to the truth.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace
1 Peter 4:7-10

Everyday, let's remember that our service is not just a checklist of "good things" that we do. It's a way of life that reflects our identity in Christ and our relationship with the world. Let's be intentional about serving others, putting their needs before our own, and shining a light in the darkness.