Today’s Scriptures: Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

Movement 1: Flavor and Illumination

Read and meditate:

“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. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

Reread these four short verses several times. Read them aloud. Read them silently. Retell this passage to yourself in your own words.

Reflect: This passage of scripture can be encouraging. As Christ-followers, we are the “salt” that flavors the planet on which we live! Because He lives in us, we have the privilege of shining His light in this world that is often dark. When we look around us, we see places, relationships, situations, and conversations that are flavorless and dark. They could use a Jesus-infusion - one of flavor and illumination. Where is God currently bringing flavor and light through you? Which relationships are healthier because Jesus is present in you? What rooms are brighter because He is shining through you?

Pray: Jesus, show me where and how you are using my God-given influence to make this world a better place. Reveal to me the faces and places that are more flavorful and brighter because of your Gospel presence in me. I thank you for these faces and places. I ask you to shine even brighter through me today, this week, and going forward.

Movement 2: Bland and Dim

Read again and meditate:

“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. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

Reread these four short verses several times. Read them aloud. Read them silently. Emphasize different words each time you read this passage.

Reflect: While encouraging, this passage of scripture can also be challenging. While we rejoice that He chooses us through whom to bring his flavor, light, and love to those around us, we must also ask ourselves hard questions. Am I losing or have I lost saltiness in any area of my life? In what relationships or places is my light dimming, hidden, or gone dark? We may already sense these places in our lives. However, God may need to reveal these to us through divine revelation or through a close friend or loved one who can speak into this.

Pray: Lord, reveal to me where I am losing or have lost saltiness or light. If I already know the place, situation, or relationship, I repent and turn from this complacency. If I am unaware, speak this directly to me now. Gently reveal it to me. Help me see where I need you.

Movement 3: Renewal

Read and meditate:

Reread this passage, this time in the Message translation:

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven”. Matthew 5:13-16 MSG

Reflect and visualize: Reread these verses several times. Read them aloud. Read them silently. Close your eyes. Visualize the God-flavors on this earth. Visualize the God-colors in our world. Ask God to show you these flavors and colors in the context where you are planting the Gospel. What could it look like if these flavors were stronger? If the colors were brighter? Ask Him to reveal Himself to you more and more so that you can’t hold it in. You must share about His goodness. Ask Him to renew your saltiness and light.

Worship through song: Salt and Light by Lauren Daigle.