THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
Daily, we ingest many preservatives just by eating foods coming from the local grocery store. As a result, some of the artists of the 60's are retitling their songs:
1. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Hip
2. Bobby Darin: Splish Splash, I Was Havin' A Flash
3. Leslie Gore: It's My Procedure, And I'll Cry If I Want To
4. Johnny Nash: I Can't See Clearly Now
5. The Commodores: Once, Twice, Three Times To the Bathroom
_________________________________________________________________________________
________SCRIPTURE________________________________________________________________
Matthew 5:13-16
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
KJV
________________________________________________________________________________
_______THOUGHT__________________________________________________________________
Jesus compares Christians to two different things, both adding meaning and clarity to WHO we are.
SALT. Salt was considered a preservative. If salt lost its ability to preserve, then it was useless and should just be thrown away. It COULD be thrown on the walk-way, and at least SOME use would be involved. It would keep the grass away.
Christian, you are a preservative in this world. If it weren't for you, people would commit worse acts more often than they do. Your influence upon the world is necessary to restrain evil.
Now, here's what I hear Jesus saying: "If you are not exercising your influence, you are UNnecessary, and God will allow you to be run over ("trodden under foot")! WOW! That puts a whole new perspective upon remaining active in ministry for our Lord!
LIGHT. Light is considered causative. It causes you to SEE what you otherwise would not see in the darkness. Christian, not only do you restrain evil, but you illuminate character and integrity. You should be as a "candle" on a lampstand, and shine the truths of God publicly. Pierce the darkness of evil by being who God called you to be.
When people see you living for Christ, they will recognize the truth of salvation. They will SEE that a person can truly be "born again." And they will "glorify your Father" because of the mercy and grace they see applied to you.
Lord Jesus, please help that my lifestyle be both preservative and causative.
Love ya,
Bruce