Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Robert Murray McCheyne
The Salt of the Earth
Jesus once said that “you are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” So either you’re like the natural salt, which enhances the flavor and also acts as a preservative, or you overdo it, which sometimes stings in wounded people. But unless God’s wrath is revealed against unsaved sinners (John 3:36b; Rom. 6:23), God’s mercy will not be relevant (Rom. 3).
A Light of the World
Jesus is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12), but we are all lights in the world. We’ve been called out of the darkness and into the light to go back into the darkness and be a light. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). If you’re a silent witness, then your light’s under a basket.
Witnesses in Suffering
During the gruesome Black Plague in the 1300s, there was an estimated 75 to 200 million people who died. Those who weren’t Christians started noticing that the Christians’ funerals were as hopeless as the funerals they had for family. The Christian funeral actually offered hope beyond the day. That hope is found only in Christ (Acts 4:12). Those outside the church began to be drawn to this hope, and then they heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ where He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 1:25). Speaking of God, “he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him” (Luke 20:38). These Christian funerals began to bring people to Christ because they’d say, “These Christians suffer well. Why is that?” Of course, we know why (John 3:16).
Reflecting His Attributes
We might be the only Bible anyone will ever read. What I mean is that the unsaved might be exposed to the Gospel by your very Christ-likeness. When we are living a life of obedience and reflecting the attributes of God like long-suffering, patience, and love, people see that as attractive and winsome. When we are walking with Christ, we should be looking more like Christ every day. Use your life for His glory in making disciples of all nations, and live like you really believe it.
Conclusion
Mr. McCheyne was right when he said “the Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God” since we are the salt of the world, we are lights in a darkened world, and we suffer well because of our hope in Christ. When we reflect Christ, we let people know what He’s like, and that might help to open the door for the Gospel to enter their heart.
