13th. November. 2021. Daily Devotion.
13 ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13.
14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Jesus says here that we are “the salt of the earth” . . . and “the light of the world.” He doesn’t say we “can be” or “should be” these things. He says we already are, by way of our new identity in him. Jesus expects us to bless people, to build them up, and to do what we can to help meet their needs. He expects us to use our words and our actions to stick out in this dark world, pointing people to the kingdom of God.
This isn’t limited to formal ministry in the church. The ways we treat our spouses, talk to our co-workers, and use our resources or engage with social media are all examples of how we are called to be salt and light. Every sphere of life presents us with salt and light opportunities.
If we walk in step with Christ, putting his desires ahead of our own, we are like a welcome seasoning to enhance the taste of good food, or like a beacon of light shining in this dark world.
Father, help me to be salt and light in my community, and to use my words and my actions to show the world what you are like. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
To Walk in God’s Sight
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: I humbly pray you so to guide and govern me by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of my life I may not forget you but may remember that I am ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For God’s Protection
Almighty God, You know that I have no power on my own to help myself: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to my body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt my soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Poor and Needy
Lord God, You came to give honour to the least: those forgotten, overlooked and misjudged. You came to give first place to the last, those left behind to the misunderstood and undervalued. You came to give a warm welcome to the lost, orphaned, abandoned, and destitute. Help us to be your ears to listen to their cries. Help me to be your voice speaking out love and acceptance. Help me to be your feet walking beside those in need. Help me to be your hands to clothe, feed and shelter them. You came for the least, the lost and last of this world. Lord, hear my prayer. Amen.
