Living Out Your Story

Today’s reading is out of Matthew 5:13-16. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

When it comes to reaching the people in our world with the life-changing grace of Jesus, it takes far more than just our words. The Gospel must be lived out through our actions. This is exactly what Jesus’ whole life was about–proclaiming it and living it! And it’s exactly what He calls us to do. In fact, He gives us multiple metaphors and commands and stories to make sure we really get this idea. The way we live out God’s power and story is meant to cause others to hunger and thirst to know more about Him. St. Francis of Assisi summed it up like this: “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” Let’s reflect further on these two important metaphors from Jesus and learn how to live them out in our daily lives.

Matthew 5:13-16 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 underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Reflect

1. Why did Jesus use the metaphor of salt for how we are to live? What characteristics of salt can you think of that connect to this idea of showing people who God is?
2. What did Jesus mean by His metaphor of light? What would it look like for your life to be “light?” How does that draw others to God?
3. Who is someone you know personally that you believe reflects Jesus’ ideas of living as salt and light really well? What can you learn from them?
4. What one area of your life do you feel most called to work on to make it reflect the character of Jesus (more “salty” and “lighter”) to others in a more powerful way? (Your words? Generosity? Patience? Attitude at work? Humility?)

Act

Develop some “in the moment” reminders of ways you can live consistent with your beliefs. Here are a couple ideas:

1. Learn to pause and ask, “What would Jesus do in this situation and how would He do it?” before responding/reacting.
2. Get this Matthew 5 salt/light passage “in you.” Memorize it; make it the lock-screen on your phone; print it and have it at your desk or bed.

Pray about, and look for, opportunities to be salt/light to someone in your life this week. Ideas:

1. Surprise them with a generous/thoughtful/unexpected gift.
2. Speak words of encouragement to someone.
3. Serve someone with no strings attached.
4. Bring some joy/fun/humor into a situation where someone needs it.

Pray

Lord Jesus, help me to answer Your call to be salt and light to my world so that others might find hope and grace in You. Help me to not just learn Your ways, but put them into practice so people can see what they look like. Help me learn to respond in situations in the ways that You would. May my actions in front of others lead to some powerful and beautiful conversations about faith and grace and who You are. Amen.