To be a Christian means we have incredible purpose. Unfortunately, many aren't embracing it and instead are finding themselves wandering or pursuing "lesser things". Jesus tells a crowd of ordinary disciples that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that also applies to us. He doesn't make a suggestion or give an option, rather He tells us this is what you are (if we are in Christ).



Like many verses in the Bible it is easy to read things and blow it off or pass the buck thinking "hey I will let those zealous Christians be that, or the super saints, or the government, etc." But Jesus point is clear- You are the salt and the light to the world. He says let your good works shine for all to see....the word good used here in the Greek means winsome, attractive, beautiful works be seen.


This is interesting because as you look forward to chapter six Jesus says:



“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.



How do we reconcile that…

I think it challenges us to ask the question why do we do good works?


Some do good works rooted in insecurity….

"I need to do these things to keep the people loving me,"

"to keep people happy," "to win approval"


The religious people in that day did this, whatever would earn them praise.

We do it too. We work extra hard to please that demanding boss. We do those good works to please that unsatisfied spouse.

The problem is when we do good works out of insecurity, we are looking to people to fill a need. We think, "when will that spouse finally give me what I need, when I do all this for them." "That friend I am constantly calling, writing, reaching out to, all they do is take, when are they going to appreciate me." "When is the boss going to finally give me what I deserve."


In the end it is really rooted in selfishness and lots of people are doing good works with this motivation.


Others do good works to feel better about themselves, some do good works to help them earn God’s approval….instead Jesus says do it quietly so your Father will see them.

However, Jesus says we can know we are doing good, winsome, beautiful, attractive works if the work that is done brings glory to God...draws people to Him (Matthew 5:16).

End the wandering and embrace and pursue who you are....the salt of the earth (the flavor, creating spiritual thirst, preservative from the onslaught of wickedness) and the light of the world(reflecting the glory of the Lord).