Imago Dei

I really like reading the Sermon on the Mount in the Message. Especially the part about salt and light:

Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’ putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

I think that last part bears repeating.

Keep open house; be generous with your lives.

Salty goodness.

I’m not exactly full of this salty goodness, but I am working on it. There aren’t many salty Christians in this place, are there? Christians have left a bitter taste in the mouths of everyone around. And unfortunately, most people won’t give something bitter a second try (unless they’re a glutton for punishment).

So I’m suggesting to all of us who use the name of Christ:

Keep open house; be generous with your lives.

Be salty!

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Tags: Christianity