Matt. 5:13-16 – Salt and light. In both cases I can waste their effectiveness to the world if I do not fulfill their purpose. I must, as disciple, allow others to see me, but only so they will glorify God through me. The servant of the Lord must be humble, but that does not mean we are to be covert or incognito. That would defeat the effectiveness of salt and light. Moses was the most humble (meek) man in the land during his time, but he was Israel’s leader, in the spotlight continually. As someone has well said, “If you were put on trial as to whether you were a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?!”
Matt. 5:20 – The scribes and Pharisees KNEW the Law, but did not acknowledge Jesus, because their righteousness was not by faith. I must exceed their bar and live by faith AND the Word. True disciples are not those who “live” by their works. I should never depend on my works to energize me into greater works. Good works should be done out of my utter dependence upon Jesus who has saved me and from the heart of service and compassion for others. I serve Him because He saved me.
Matt. 5:27-30 – Whatever I need to “cut out” or “cut off” in my life in order to be ‘married’ (completely devoted) to Christ, must be done. Whatever I lose for Christ’s sake, will be gain to me. But that takes faith. When I forsake the things that compromise my complete devotion to Christ, it only appears to be a loss to me. I must remember that whatever physical things I give up for the Master will return to me as spiritual things, and those things are eternal.
Matt. 5:38-42 – As a disciple, these are ways I can be “salt and light.” In all of these ways, the world will take notice and consider, because they are all unselfish acts and not the cultural norm. Can you imagine what the conversation would be like on the second mile after the disciple told the Roman soldier, “I’ll carry your pack for you another mile.” My actions as a disciple can be a sermon, a message of hope and conciliation to others. The Old Testament concept of “an eye for and eye, and a tooth for a tooth” was not a law with regard to insults and relational behavior; it was a law in regard to criminal behavior. Returning evil for evil is not how our Master comported Himself – ever!
Matt. 5:43-48 – My response to ridicule and evil actions toward me is to LOVE and PRAY. I cannot respond in kind. It puts me on the earthly level with those who despise me. I am then no different from the world! Verse 47 is a powerful question. How am I any different from the world if I love only those who love me? “You are to be perfect (complete, measured to the full), as your heavenly Father is perfect.”