Title: The salt and the light of the world
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Purpose: Christians become more faithful and more active to do good deeds.
Content: Live in the world/Do good deeds/Be the salt and the light
What is your favorite food in winter? For we Koreans many things, there are many kinds of delicious food these days. One of my favorite is uncooked sweet potato. I think it is better than bread or winter fruits. That can be alternative for quick dining.
Today I am going to suggest you to be the salt and the light of the world. That sounds difficult but I am sure that you can be. Actually the main idea of this sermon depends on the sermon of Rev. John Wesley, Sermons on MountⅣ.
Live in the world
Have non-believers as your friends. I do not suggest you to follow worldly sense or doing but to live in the world. To live your life with unfaithful people are really important for Christians. Why is that? Jesus said so. “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”(Matthew 5:16)
If Christians give up this world, and hide themselves, that could be disaster for Christianity. Christianity is social religion. Without its society, it could not be the religion. To be Christianity, Christians must meet and have relationship with others.
Without doubt, Christians must have quiet time for the relationship with God. However, to meet others is important as we need to prayers. After realize the love of God and God’s grace, you must go out toward non-believers.
Christianity you are in must be uncovered. What God wants you to do is that you show God’s glory with your every day life. Make unfaithful people believe in God because of you. You can worship God both with your mind and with your action for the world. “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.”(1Cor10:31)
Do good deeds
You must remain the taste of salt and shine for the world. Why do you need to do good things? According to the text, that is what you are supposed to do as Christians. That is what God demand you to. Do you think what faith in Jesus Christ is? It is devotion to God. Therefore all you have to do is please God by remain salty and shed light on the world.
There is one of the reasons why Christians must do good work. A person cannot know the end of one’s life. That does not allow the one waste one’s life time to earn one’s own money or do selfish things. We human beings are descried as “the morning fog”(James5:14) in the bible. “Before you grow old and no longer enjoy living” (Ecclesiates12:1), you should be in action to honor God in the world. Some faithful leaders in the church use to say that they do not regret to be the servant of God by being the servant of many miserable people.
When you do good things, there could be obstacles and blames from others. Even if you devote yourself fully, you might fail to change the world for good. You did your best, but there might be only another problem. However, do not be disappointed by the result you draw. The Matter of result is on God not you.
What is important when you do good work is that you do not by your righteousness but with God’s just will. You are nothing but God’s coworker. You must pray while you are in action for the good. It was not Elijah who has given the rain after three and half years’ drought but God almighty. What you should focus on is that God has given the rain when Elijah has prayed sincerely and led people to believe in God. Let me ask you that you have love of God and spread the love in the world. Then God will work with you so that people can be children of God.
Be the salt and the light of the world
I want you to be faithful and care for those who are in need. I know when you think to help others; there is some kind of fear because you do not understand their life. However, be brave and be confident.
There are so many miserable people who are unable to manage their life by themselves. They need your help and prayer. There are too much ugly things happen in the society you live in. You must find out what is happening so that you can help government or company change their policy. The earth is one of the victims of human desire and development. You should know that the earth is you.
A few days ago, a letter was delivered in my office. It says that there is opportunity to help the North Koreans with small money. The host is Korean Methodist Church Seobu Annual Conference who manages the donation. I had in mind that our church has to take parts in this excellent work.
Also as this church’s minister, I have another plan to help our neighbors. I cannot tell you this now but I will soon start this action. I hope I can meet many who need love of God and meet the people who want be in faith in God. Please pray to God for your wisdom and follow it with your right conduct. And don’t forget, our church is going to offer Christmas party for children around us. It is for children and their family.
Let’s Pray.
Loving God! There are many who need you. They are blinded with their desire. Let us make them open their eyes and believe in you. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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