Introduction
It’s one thing to follow Jesus at church. It’s another altogether to follow Him at school or at work or around friends. The real test of your faith isn’t what you say in a Bible study or at a Christian camp this summer. It’s how you live when you walk out the door.
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus is speaking here. He uses two powerful, easy to understand images. Salt and Light. Both are meant to influence their environments.
Salt?
Salt can be used to preserve food. Salt can also be used to enhance the flavor of food. You can usually tell pretty quickly if what you are eating has been salted or not.
As a follower of Jesus, your presence should make a difference. People should be able to tell that you follow Him. There should be a difference in your attitude. There should be a difference in your words. There should be a difference in your actions.
Light?
Light reveals what is truly there. It reveals truth. It pushes back darkness. It helps people to see more clearly.
Jesus is telling us not to hide our faith. He doesn’t mean to show it in an arrogant or self-righteous way, but in a visible, genuine way. We should lead by example. We should “practice what we preach”.
The Problem
Many people try to separate their lives into categories.
- “Church life”
- “School life”
- “Work life”
- “Friend life”
How many of those categories does Jesus fit into? Only the first one for sure. Following Jesus isn’t meant to be just a part of your life. It’s meant to shape all of it.
There should only be one category.
- “Follow Jesus wherever I go”
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
This has been my favorite verse for quite some time. I don’t always get it right, but it is what I try to always go back to and lean on.
Notice the word “whatever”.
- Not just spiritual activities.
- Not just when people are watching.
- Not just when it’s easy.
Everything! For me this means when I am at church, at home, in my classroom, or on the baseball field. Be consistent. Reflect Jesus. Give all the thanks to God.
What Does This Look Like Practically?
Living out your faith doesn’t always mean big, dramatic moments. It often shows up in small, everyday choices. It means choosing honesty when it’s easier to lie. It’s treating people with kindness and respect. Refusing to join in sinful conversations or actions. It means working hard and doing your best. It means controlling your words and attitude.
Faith is revealed in consistency.
What About When It Gets Hard?
Is it always easy? Of course not! You may (will) face peer pressure and awkward moments. You may fear being different. You may face questions or criticisms.
The temptation is to blend in and compromise. Don’t stay quiet.
Remember Who You Represent
When you follow Jesus, you represent Him.
That doesn’t mean being perfect and having all of the answers. It means living in a way that points people toward Him. That is the ultimate goal.
Your life is a message. Whether you realize it or not, people are watching. How do you respond? How do you treat others? What do you prioritize?
Your life is constantly saying something about what you believe. The question is: What message are you sending?
Closing Thought
Your faith was never meant to stay inside a church building. It was meant to be lived out every day, everywhere you go.
Be salt!
Be light!
Walk with Jesus wherever you go.
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