“What on earth could I do? But it was clear in my heart, I had to do something. ”
What has been your impact on the world? Have you ever thought about that question? Do you know that you matter in a deep and meaningful way to the people and events around you? That you can make a difference? In fact, not only do we get to impact people and events around us, we are invited to do so by Jesus.
I love the metaphors Jesus uses in Matthew 5:13-16:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp-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 in heaven.”
For Jesus salt wasn’t only a spice put on food for flavoring. It was a primary way the ancient world preserved precious food. Jesus uses this multilayered metaphor to encourage those who follow him to impact the world. Using the salt metaphor Jesus is teaching that one outcome of those who display the kingdom tendencies highlighted by Jesus in the sermon on the mount is one of preservation, or the ability to “arrest the decay” of the society in which they live. Wow! You matter.
With this in mind, I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Amy Wolff. I’ve known Amy and her family for years going back to when I was in Jr. High. Her brother and I were friends and Amy’s mom, who is a Pastor in Newberg Oregon, has been a spiritual mentor of mine. Amy, has had a significant impact on the world and it started very…unintentionally. Here is bit of her story. She’s an example to all of us that God can use even simple acts of kindness to major effect. You Matter.
“We were hanging out with friends when one of them mentioned the suicide rates in our community and I about fell out of my chair. I felt completely hopeless and ill equipped to be part of a solution. After all, I wasn't a therapist. I didn't know of anyone suffering with thoughts of self-harm. What on earth could I do? But it was clear in my heart, I had to do something. The idea of encouraging yard signs had been bouncing around in my head for years but it was always 'just a silly idea'. That is until May 2017 - then it became the something.” - Amy Wolff
Take some time to look through Amy’s website, read her story and reflect on the ways God is using you as salt and light for the kingdom of heaven.
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