Storyteller - Day 2

This is the second day I'm blogging through the new "Storyteller" Bible study from Sarah Koontz at livingbydesign.org.

Today's Scripture is found in Matthew 5: 13 - 16 ...

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anytĺexcept to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

In the ancient world, salt was a valuable resource. It enhances flavour, it acts as a preservative, and it's also a disinfectant. In this parable, Jesus is telling us that as Believers, these are all things we should be! We should enhance the world around us by making life better for the people with whom we come into contact - and we do this by sharing the Gospel and spreading Christ’s love to a world that desperately needs Him. As ambassadors of the Gospel we are also called to act as a "disinfectant" in the world. Just as salt disinfects wounds and promotes healing, in a world that has been wounded by sin and infected with pain and suffering, we can share with people the hope and healing that is available through Christ. Since we've been given the "flavour of Christ", we have an obligation not to lock it away in the church building when we leave on Sunday morning, or keep it to ourselves out of convenience or comfort. For us to truly become the salt and light that Jesus declares us to be, we have to play an active part in the world around us. Being salt requires us to step out and display His love, the love that He has first shown us. God has called us to partner with Him and to take His message into the world!

"Our job is to help others taste and see God’s mercy and grace." Sarah Koontz

If you're also participating in the Storyteller Bible Study, please share your thoughts and takeaways in the comments - I'd love to hear from you.