Pursuing the Things of God: Being the Light and Salt of the Earth

The Call to Be Salt and Light

We must get our minds right if we are going to pursue the things of God. As Jesus said, we are the light and salt of the earth. Reflecting on Matthew 5:13-16, He states: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Understanding the Significance of Salt

There are a couple of important points to clarify about Jesus' statement regarding salt. During His time, salt was a costly commodity. It served multiple purposes: preserving meat to prevent spoilage, enhancing food flavor, and even medicinal use!

Think about this: as the body of Christ—of which He is the head—you are called to preserve His work until He returns. You are meant to act as a medicine, offering eternal health to those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are called to illuminate the darkness of this world wherever you go.

The Weight of Past Pain

But what if you are carrying yesterday’s pain, offenses, or unforgiveness? What if rejection still bears its painful and ugly fruit in your life? It's crucial to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The word righteousness is defined as acting according to God’s requirements and doing what is right.

If you don't think correctly, you won't act correctly! As Matthew reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” -Matthew 6:33-34

The Importance of Holiness

Holiness is essential for living a life aligned with righteousness. We separate ourselves for God's glory out of reverence for Him. It begins with being renewed in the spirit of our minds.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” -Ephesians 4:20-24

A New Way of Thinking

The Apostle Paul urges us not to walk as the Gentiles do, in futility of mind. Their understanding is darkened. They are alienated from the life of God due to ignorance and the blindness of their hearts.

Ephesians 4:23 calls us to “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Colossians 3:9-10 adds, “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” Furthermore, Romans 12:2 reminds us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Renewal implies becoming new and different, leading to a sense of superiority over the old self. The Old Covenant demanded perfection but did not address the heart or conscience. In contrast, the New Covenant focuses on heart transformation.

The Attitude of Christ

When we put on Christ, we start to think differently than the world. The term spirit here indicates an attitude or disposition reflecting our thoughts. Do we adopt Christ’s attitude, or do we remain focused on ourselves?

The term mind derives from a Greek word referring to our psychological faculties: understanding, reasoning, thinking, and deciding. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that we should surpass our old selves. No longer should we be ignorant of God's will; instead, we should align our thoughts with His. Our conscience is now synced with His heart as we embrace our new identity in Christ. Our attitudes should mirror Jesus' perspective on sin and love.

Living for Christ

Our understanding and reasoning are now shaped by the Kingdom of God. Paul famously stated, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” Though he longed to return home, he knew he had a race to finish.

One day, if you endure to the end and fulfill God's will for your life, you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We are instructed to “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” - Philippians 2:12-13

A Prayer for Transformation

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the power You have given me to renew my thinking. In my flesh, I cannot achieve anything apart from You. You are the source of my change. I ask for Your assistance in this area. Let my transformation align with Your will, not my own. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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