Dave's Diary

Prayer

Before you read, I invite you to pray this prayer based on Psalm 119:12-14

I praise You, Lord. Please teach me your decrees. Then I will tell others of Your goodness and I will rejoice in living by Your direction. I delight to follow You; and pleasing You brings me the highest joy. Amen.

Reading

Matthew 5:13-16

When Jesus tells His disciples that we are the “salt of the earth“, it means more than we might realise.

At the time Jesus spoke these words, salt had great monetary value. So firstly, by saying we are the salt of the earth, Jesus wants us to know how valuable we are, and also that we are called to add value to the world around us. Secondly, salt preserves food from decay; so, by calling us the “salt of the earth”, Jesus is calling us to live in a way that preserves Godly, Kingdom values in the world. And thirdly, because salt always adds flavour to food, these words imply that we ought to live in a way that makes the world more enjoyable to those around us. In short, we Jesus calls us to add value, be a godly influence, and make the world a better, more enjoyable place for everyone around us.

Is the world a better, more godly and more enjoyable experience for others because you are in it? Talk to the Lord about this.

When we come to Jesus’ statement, “You are the light of the world,” His will for us comes into even sharper focus because He interprets this image into a very clear command:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Letting our light shine means living in a way that reveals God’s goodness to others and introduces the Kingdom’s influence into the world. When we do good to others by loving them through practical deeds of kindness and care, we are shining the light of God’s goodness, kindness, and care. We are representing God, revealing God’s character, and actively showing others who God is. What’s more, we are helping to align the world more with God’s will. As Charles Spurgeon wrote:  

“The object of our shining is not that men may see how good we are, nor even see us at all, but that they may see grace in us and God in us, and cry, ‘What a Father these people must have.’” 

Contemplation

Please take time to ponder what Jesus has commanded us. Turn one or more of these declarations of commitment over and over in your mind. Keep them in mind throughout the day and live in step with Your King, Jesus.

As a disciple:

• I will aim to make the world a better, more godly and more enjoyable experience for others.
• I will do practical deeds of kindness and care that will reveal the goodness, kindness and care of God.
• I will rejoice to reveal God’s goodness in all I do.

Is there some specific practical deed of kindness and care that God is calling you to do today, to make the world a better place? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to let your light shine!