Every time I have turned on the television lately, I see the same commercial. Maybe you have seen this commercial too. In this commercial, two little girls are sitting across from each other at a table and are asked a series of questions. There is one piece of chocolate sitting between them on a table. The first question is, “Which of you loves dessert?” The two girls both raise their hands. Next, the girls are asked, “Who loves chocolate?” Again, both girls raise their hands. Finally, the girls are asked, “Which of you loves sharing?” At this question, the girls just stare at each other until one of them smiles, picks up the piece of chocolate, and gives it to the other. The commercial always makes me smile and reminds me of the importance of sharing and holding my gifts with open hands. Our gifts were meant to be shared, not kept to ourselves. One of the most important things we can do is use our gifts to share the good news of Christ with everyone around us.
The call to spend our lives sharing the good news of Christ comes directly from Christ. In Matthew 5, he said to His followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (verse 13). Salt brings flavor to our favorite foods and also acts as a preserver. After saying these things, Jesus continued, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house” (verse 14). You know this to be true. Whenever an inkling of light comes into a dark room, it breaks through the darkness. In conclusion to His teaching about salt and light in Matthew 5, Jesus taught, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (verse 16). This is the calling of Christ-followers. We are to live in such a way that we point others to Christ through our words and actions. We are to be light in a dark world and bring the flavor of the good news of Jesus to a world in need of His hope. This is our calling, day in and day out.
One of the ways that you and I can be the salt of the earth and the light of the world is by using our gifts to serve others and make Christ known. We must use our gifts to spread the message of the hope that can be found in Christ to a lost and dying world.
The most important thing we can do with our lives is to use our gifts to make Christ known. Do you have a list of at least five people in your life who are far from Christ? If not, make that list. If you have trouble thinking of 5 people, brainstorm about how you can spend more time around people who are far from Christ. After making your list, reach out to at least one person on your list who is far from Christ and encourage them today, being sure to offer the hope of Christ.
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Teaching about Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Teaching about the Law
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Teaching about Anger
“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.
