Genesis 11:1-13:4
Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-28
Being the beginning of a new year, It's a good idea to get a fresh understanding of what it means to "Live the DREAM".
In Matthew 5, Jesus is giving the "Sermon on the Mount". Through this whole discourse Jesus is building a picture of who believers are supposed to be. Notice that I didn't say a picture of "what believers are supposed to DO." throughout the chapter he uses words such as "hearts are pure", etc.
In Living the DREAM, each element of the DREAM works together in helping the believer live the Balanced Christian Life. It can be visualized like a wheel. The "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" is the hub. It represents our relationship with Christ. It needs to be at the center of everything. A wheel without the 'hub' in the center cannot be balanced. Relationships Devoted to Unity, Empowered through Biblical Training and Active Ministry Involvement are the "spokes". They all work together for balance. Mission to Reach our World for Christ is where "the rubber meets the road". I've attached a simple diagram to illustrate.
In today's selected verses, Jesus is talking about where the rubber meets the road. "You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world's light - a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father." Matt. 5:13-16
We must understand the "integrity" of our mission. Jesus is speaking of our purpose. He's speaking of why we are here. He wants us to be in right relationship to him, as living in right relationship will draw others to him. He doesn't say, "Make it look like you are the world's seasoning." Baking soda may kind of look like salt, but believe me, you taste the difference! My wife got this refill of liquid green hand soap for our bathroom dispenser. It's in a bottle that is shaped just like the mouth wash. Believe me when I tell you that it's more important what something is, than what it looks like.
We are here to impact the world. When we draw close to Christ, his light shines in us and through us. We can't hide it because it's part of who we are. The way we deal with unbelievers around us is a part of our being, not something on our "to-do" list.
What is the world's biggest complaint about Christians? Hypocrisy. They spend their efforts on looking like salt instead of being salt. They sign petitions and boycotts, but sue their neighbor. They tell people they need Jesus, but don't reach out to those in need. The problem is looking at our Mission as something we "do" rather than it being a natural part of who we "are".
To be the light, we must have Christ dwelling within us. He desires a dwelling place. He WANTS to live in us.
Verse 16 doesn't say, "Let your bumper stickers, pins, & t-shirts glow for all to see so that they will praise your heavenly Father." It says, "Let your good deeds..." When we live like we should, we are salt and light. I'm not saying we shouldn't impact the world through all available means, but we must make sure it begins in our heart.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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