Why Am I A Christian? Series

The world does not like your testimony, for salt has a bite. But we dare not blend in, compromising the testimony of Jesus. When salt blends in, it's no longer salty. Then what's it good for? It would have been better if we had never been a Christian. Last week we talked about the danger of fitting in with the world as it bows down to its idols. That's salt having lost its saltiness. "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 by men" (Matthew 5:13 NIV1984). If you are not salt, you are not a Christian. If you are a Christian, you are salt.

So remember who and what you are. You are salt. That's why you continue to live on this earth. That's your mission to carry out. That's why you're a Christian. And when you stumble and blending in seems the best course of action and don't feel like being salt anymore, remember who made you salt. Jesus, who is your righteousness, who rose from the dead, who has conquered sin and Satan, who has given you the victory. Jesus, who brings you his real body and blood in the Lord's Supper feeding your hungry faith, filling you with his righteousness. What strength you have in Jesus to carry out your mission as salt no matter what the opposition, and not only as salt but also as light!

2. How are we light?

"You are light of the world" (Matthew 5:14 NIV1984). Like everyone else we too once lived in darkness under the shadow of death, shrouded in deep darkness. But the one, genuine Light came into the world. He shown into our dark hearts, and through the water and word of baptism he ignited the lamp of your heart. Yes, water lit the light in you. What a miracle! Together with our fellow Christians in the Church we shine out into this dark world like a city on a hill, inviting in those who are still lost in the darkness of unbelief and spiritual ignorance. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14 NIV1984), Jesus says.

Dear Christians, let your light shine. "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" (Matthew 5:15 NIV1984). Yes, let your light shine. But understand what that means. This is not some sort of inborn or natural light that people imagine. So many think they let their light shine by spotlighting their talents, accomplishments, successes. Others put a humbler spin on it, thinking it simply means to do good whether you're thanked for it or not. None of this is listening to all that Jesus says here. They're still lost in the darkness.

Let your light shine. This is the light that Jesus lit in you through his Word and Sacraments. It's like the moon which has no light by of its own but reflects the one, true Light. It's the light that shines out by doing those good things that lead others to praise the Father who gave us his Son. Remember the whole passage, not just the opening words. "[L]et your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV1984). Don't forget those last words: "may . . . praise your Father in heaven." That's the goal.