YouVersion Logo
Search Icon

Make a DifferenceSample

Make a Difference

DAY 281 OF 365

Salt and Light: Living a Life of Influence

- Pastor Matt Perkins

“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)

In the words of Jesus, we receive a profound identity and a powerful mandate: “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.” These metaphors are not just titles but a call to action.

Salt preserves and flavors, making what is bland burst with taste. As the salt of the earth, you can bring out the God-flavors in this world. You have the unique seasoning of grace that can transform lives and make a difference.

You are called to be the world's light, a shining beacon reflecting Christ's light and dispelling despair and hopelessness. This light is not meant to be hidden but will shine brightly before others. Your acts of kindness are like light rays, guiding those in darkness to see God's nature. When you serve, love, and act in the righteousness of God, you provide a glimpse of His kingdom to everyone you encounter.

However, this light has been given for His glory, not our own. When others observe your good deeds, they are not just seeing you; they are witnessing the very nature of God. In all that we do, we should strive to bring glory and honor to Him.

In our society marked by strife and confusion, your calling as salt and light is more crucial than ever. It is a daily journey that requires you to lean into the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to sustain you and keep your light undimmed by the surrounding culture. Your life becomes a testament, an ever-present invitation for others to taste and see that the Lord is good and to step out of the shadows and into His marvelous light.

Make a Difference:

Today, season your conversations with grace and brighten your surroundings with kindness. Ask yourself, “How can I shine the light of Christ today?”

As You Read:

Go through the beatitudes and apply them to your life as a group. How do they build on each other? What is the overarching message you’re seeing through them?

About this Plan

Make a Difference

We all want to make an impact on the lives of people around us. We want our lives to make a difference in our friends, family, co-workers, neighborhoods, and cities. This is done through the transformative work of Jesus Christ. The Pastors of Peoples Church hope that our weekly devotionals provide insights, reflections, and thought-provoking questions and challenges as we go on this chronological journey through the Bible.

More

We would like to thank Peoples Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.peopleschurch.org/