Saints who show the title (Matthew 05:13-16)
Good content is not well known, but things that are unique to me tend to be known quickly and widely. So is the rumor about Christians in a world where there are many unbelievers. Because the eyes of the world are watching the Christian life as keenly as the eyes of a researcher looking through a glass test tube. However, looking at the words of today's text, this phenomenon is not so surprising. “You are the light of the world, and a city that is on a hill cannot be hidden. People light a lamp and put it not under a lamp, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15).
So exposed to the world, what should we live a life that shows?
First, we must show the truth in us.
The text says that it is the salt of the world that we should not lose its taste. This symbolizes a life that does not lose the truth as a local Christian. Just as salt does not lose its taste according to the change of place or time, we Christians must show the world that we are living in the truth regardless of time and place.
Second, we must show our faith.
The text also says that we are the light of the world. This means that we Christians have a duty to illuminate the dark world with the light of faith. In a world that is getting darker day by day, what will this world be like if we lose our light? We must become saints who shine a bright light full of hope in faith toward those faces distorted by disappointment and frustration.
Third, we must show our changed lives.
The text says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” After all, it is our good deeds that make unbelievers glorify God. The good deeds that have been transformed by the truth and faith are the deeds we should show to those who do not believe.
Dear Bethel family, Let's remember that, as von Hooper once said, "There are no hidden Christians!", we have become unquiet before the world. Isn't this a bright world where we are losing hope every day? Isn't that the place we should work? Let's become saints who show the truth, faith, and a changed life in us.
On the Lord's Day on February 2, 1997