Did you ever get a disheartening feeling that you’re stuck in a rut? Maybe you have felt that life has become just a routine. If you were to examine your spiritual walk, do you feel like you’ve been checking off the boxes of going to church and saying your prayers? Jesus addressed this common dilemma because He is the great I AM who knows us from beginning to end. In a poignant analogy He warned believers against becoming lukewarm in their walk with Him. Jesus reminds us of our true purpose in life that has eternal rewards. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good… You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket… Let your light shine before men.” Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus commanded believers to be salt and light. Salt gives bland food some flavor. Try eating potato chips that have no salt; you could eat just one. Also, salt is a preservative that retards mold so food doesn’t get rotten. Jesus is the Light of the world and told us to shine His light in a world full of sin and darkness. He gave us power to preach and to do miracles in His Name and through the Holy Spirit.
When we are self-conscious, it hinders us from fulfilling our purpose. Some people feel they are too timid to witness, or they don’t know enough scripture. Memorizing John 3:16 is a good start; then share this verse with someone. Tell them how Jesus changed your life. The Holy Spirit gives us the words to say and boldness when we step out in faith. Paul asked the church to pray for boldness to witness to rulers and people who worshiped false gods. After Pentecost, just 50 days following Passover, the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit and became empowered to preach the Gospel with miracles following. Stephen boldly spoke about Christ and was martyred for sharing his faith. When Peter preached, 3000 people were saved! Jesus gave us the same mission today. Joel prophesied, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” Joel 2:28 This happened under the New Covenant. God declared that all who call on Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21
How can anyone be saved unless they hear the Gospel? Anointed, Spirit-filled believers are given opportunities to boldly witness for Christ. A lamp under a basket cannot penetrate the darkness. At best it is dim and ineffective. Jesus lives in the heart of every believer and wants His brilliant, life-changing light to reach people who are in darkness. Many people are anxiously searching for answers to their personal problems and for the world’s increasing tribulations. They need Jesus.
When we share the Gospel, God brings in the harvest. Pray for a spiritual revival and repentance. There is great JOY when someone is saved! The angels rejoice. As we study the amazing miracles that Jesus’ followers performed in the book of Acts, we will catch the vision. The devil trembles when Almighty God sets people free. Pray for opportunities to tell someone about Jesus. Pray in the Spirit. Learn to listen closely to the Holy Spirit. And throw off every weight, hinderance, and distraction of this world. Be salty. Let your light shine, and the Father will be glorified. God is healing broken lives, and He has mercy the lost.