9 June 2015 - shining example

Salt preserves and enhances flavor. If it can't do this it isn't really useful. All it can do then is raise our blood pressure. Do we have the appearance of salt but not the identity of it?

Are we both "yes" and "no"? Do we have one identity on the surface but another at the center? This morning we are called to integrity. We are called to live with intention and purpose. We are called to imitate Jesus. His life promises one thing and delivers on that promise.

For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him;
therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory.

Our lives as Christians promise salt. They promise enhancement to the flavor of the world. Our lives promise light which can keep feet from stumbling and which can reveal the beauty of the Church. Just as Jesus is not yes and no we are called to embody God's "Yes" to all of his promises.

It starts with what God does in Jesus. On our own we are always both yes and no. We promise one thing but deliver something that is not quite that. We say one thing, we try, but we do not quite achieve it. But Jesus can transform us to make us a people of integrity. He makes us one hundred percent yes by the power of his Holy Spirit.

But the one who gives us security with you in Christ
and who anointed us is God;
he has also put his seal upon us
and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

We are called to be light of the world. To do so we must remember the source of our light. Otherwise we will promise but not deliver. We will know that we are meant to be light but we will remain, effectively, bushel baskets.

The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.

So we ask God to let his face shine on us. His light makes us light. In his light, we see light (cf. Psa. 36:9). His Spirit anoints us. He himself is the secret ingredient that gives the world its savor and saves us from becoming something utterly unpalatable.

This is why we reveal the Father's glory when we let our own light shine before others.

Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.

He is wonderful. May his face shine on us so that we can shine before others.