better together

by Eddie Moody, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

Light in the Darkness

During this time of seemingly endless crisis, it is critical for Christians to be light in the midst of darkness. Jesus called every believer to be salt (Matthew 5:13) and light (Matthew 5:14-16). Throughout the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, He pointed the believer to the manner in which this would be fulfilled.

Salt

The Christian is salt by embracing a life of purity (Matthew 5:27-28), making the hard choices needed to keep from being entangled in these kinds of sins (Matthew 5:29-30). They are salt by doing the hard things needed to build a family, doggedly pushing back against divorce or a flippant attitude about the importance of marriage (Matthew 5:31-32). They are also salt by their commitment to truth (Matthew 5:33-37), being people who can be depended upon and trusted to keep their word.

Are we committed to holiness? Do we strive to build good marriages and take the time needed for the development of our families? Are we committed to telling people the truth? This devotion to being salt results in a completely different lifestyle from the world.

Light

The Christian is also called to be light, to be respectful to people by avoiding hurling insults (Matthew 5:21-22), by going out of the way to live at peace with everyone (Matthew 5:23-26), refusing to retaliate (Matthew 5:38-42), and even loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:43-45). In short, we treat people differently than the world treats them (Matthew 5:46-48). How are we doing in these areas? Do we respect and engage those who differ from us on theological or political issues? How do we treat people who mock or attack us?

It is hard to be light. How can one live in such a way? By making investment in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) and not worrying about selfish needs getting met (Matthew 6:25-32). We do not see much of this in our highly-charged political environment, where everyone is concerned about personal health and financial survival. We have examples from the past, though. Joseph was salt (when he refused to have an affair with Potiphar’s wife), and light to Egypt (saving untold numbers of people during a famine).

The same is true of Daniel, who would not eat forbidden foods (salt) and constantly worked as advisor to Nebuchadnezzar and the rulers who followed him (light).
Let’s follow their example as we interact with co-workers and classmates, neighbors, and family members. What the world needs now is for Christians to be salt and light in the darkness.

About the columnist. One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Eddie Moody, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life and ministry. Have a suggested topic or question? Contact Eddie: emoody@nafwb.org.