“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people (Matthew 5:13)
Disciples and the World
Jesus told His disciples “You are the salt of the earth;... (Matthew 5:13). He often used a comparison between two things [analogy] as a way of communicating to His disciples which provided them with a better understanding of what He was saying. Jesus used this particular analogy because, as He explains, salt is a preservative that keeps meat from decaying. Like unpreserved meat, this world is quickly decaying. We as Jesus' disciples are to keep ourselves preserved and purpose to work to help preserve others. Jesus said, '... but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people (Matthew 5:13).
No Flavor No Value
God's purpose for His disciples (Christian') is to make more disciples. "For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us] (Ephesians 2:10). Kingdom building is the purpose of a disciple [Christian]. We are the salt of the earth. 1 Peter 2:9 describes God's people as '.... a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. So, if we are like the world, how can we change it? How can we proclaim the excellencies of God? What value are we to Him Who called us out of darkness? If we go back to being like the world, we lose our flavor. We are no longer of value to God.
Remain in the Vine
'Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. (John 15:4). Faith in the Word of God washes us; cleanses us from sin. Jesus is the Word. We must remain in Him, the vine. Intimacy and relationship are key. Jesus is Who we get our sustenance and power from to be useful to Him and His purpose.
Shine Your Light
Jesus said, “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone 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 shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16) Our purpose is to represent Christ to the world; shine our light. “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Vs 14) We are not to get delivered and set free just to keep all that God has done and who He is from others. We must testify. Our faith must go public for all the world to see, '...does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, [No]but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. (Vs15). So, 'Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven (Vs 16). Shine your light. Explain to others that God is the Light, our only hope, for this decaying world. Kingdom building is our purpose.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Put it all in His hands. Have a blessed stress-free worry-free day on purpose, and never stop believing Jesus paid it all.
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