Salt & Light: Finding Your Purpose

I've always had a fascination with the stars and the night sky. I could sit outside for hours in total awe of God's beautiful design. Though, sometimes when I gaze at the stars I feel like a small, insignificant part of this massive universe. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever wondered what your calling or purpose is on this earth? I know I have. I'm here to tell you that your birth is a response to a need God saw in this world. God designs specific plans for each of our lives, but the most significant purpose we all have, as Christians, is to make disciples and be a light to all nations.

When I go stargazing, there is always a point where I'm captivated by the moon. You see, the moon serves as the brightest part of the night sky. It lights up even the darkest of nights and can serve as a guiding light when you can't see. However, the moon doesn't produce light on its own; it is actually a reflection of the sun. In the same way, Jesus calls us to be a light to the world. Matthew 5:13-16 is a part of a famous passage in the Bible called The Sermon on the Mount. In these verses, Jesus is talking to His disciples about being the "light of the world". He calls us to let our light shine before others so that they might see Christ in us. That doesn't mean we put ourselves in front of everyone so they can see how great we are. We cannot be a light unto the world on our own. Jesus is the light of the world, and we are called to reflect Him. The moon needs the sun, while we need the Son (see what I did there ;)

The passage in Matthew also goes on to say we are to be the "salt of the earth". Let's break this down. Salt is often used as a preservative for food such as meat. It absorbs the water and keeps it from rotting. In addition, salt is used to add flavor to food, but, in turn, makes us thirsty. So, when Jesus says we are called to be the salt of the earth, He is saying a few different things. First, we are called to preserve God's Word and the truth of the Gospel. Without it, just like the meat, sin will cause the world to rot and decay. Second, society, now more than ever, is seeking anything to give them the satisfaction and pleasure they are longing for. Just as salt brings flavor, salvation is the only thing that can satisfy their hearts. Third, by living our lives differently in a way that reflects Jesus, we can make people thirsty for what we have. If our lives are not distinguishable from the culture around us, we are not fulfilling this role. As the salt of the earth, we have a calling to preserve His truth and make people thirsty for it. This is our greatest calling as Christians.

Being the salt and light of the earth is truly the most important thing we can do. That being said, God has designed specific and unique callings for our lives too. He has given you a calling that is not just for the church but for the world. I want to make sure I say that your calling and your career are not always the same thing. In fact, your calling may not pay the bills. You may get fired from your career, but you can never be fired from your calling because God has ordained it. You may be at a point where you don't know what God's calling for your life may be, and that's okay. I want to remind you that God will provide for the plan and purpose that He has created for you. Don't waste your time worrying and complaining about the things that you lack. Rather, find peace knowing that if it's for you, you're not going to miss it. In the waiting, devote your time to the greatest calling we have as Christians, and perhaps God will reveal a more specific plan for your life in it. You don't have to manipulate or work your way into God's plan, purpose, or will. Take heart and trust that if He has woken you up another day, that means He is not done with you.

So here's your reminder that your life is not insignificant, but actually holds great value. God has bestowed on you the greatest calling on all the earth. You have the opportunity to help change the eternal outcome of someone's life. It doesn't get much bigger than that. Maybe you're at a point in your life, where you don't know how to be a "light" to the world. Ask yourself "If I look at my own life, am a living a life that's distinguishable from the world?". Whatever your answer may be, start there. If there is a sinful habit you need to break, begin with that. Work every day to make your life look more like that of Christ's. And Pray. Pray that God will use you as His vessel and that your life would be a reflection of Him in all you say and do. God has bestowed on you the greatest purpose in all the earth. So go out and embrace it!

May your roots run deep and your faith remain strong! As always, stay rooted, my friends <3