4 Ways You Can Reach People For Jesus

Living as Salt and Light
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe Christians. The world is like a meal needing salt or a dark room needing light. Christians are that salt and light, not because we try to be, but because we already are. Salt enhances flavor, and light dispels darkness. Similarly, Christians reveal what the world tries to conceal. We have a unique source of flavor and illumination: Jesus indwelling us. This enables us to bring out the best in people and cultures, and to display God's greatness.

To be effective, we must be different from the world, bringing out the best in those around us and making the world a more flavorful place. Christians should be the most innovative, encouraging, empowering, and uplifting people, reflecting the image of God within us. Just as salt makes food taste better and light brightens a room, our presence should enhance and illuminate our surroundings.

But how do we do that? What does salt and light look like in the life of the Christian?

Here Are Some Practical Steps

1. Get Immersed with People: Like salt needs to be applied to food to make a difference, we need to be present in people's lives. Offer your presence and empathy, connect with others, and be there for them in their struggles and celebrations.
2. Give Inspiration to People: Draw out the good in others and their situations. Help them see hope and value, demonstrate excellence, and be the good you wish to see in the world. Apply the grace of Jesus generously as you earn the right to be heard.
3. Offer Illumination to People: Provide clarity and point out truths. Show God's transformation in your own life, engage in conversations about faith, and answer questions. Your life can be the first Bible someone reads.
4. Give an Invitation: After building relationships, inspiring, and illuminating, invite others to commit to Jesus. Offer specific action steps and help them understand what it means to follow Him.

The Power of Balance
Balancing grace and truth, compassion and conviction, is essential. Compassion without conviction can fail to convey the importance of the Gospel, while conviction without compassion can harm relationships. We need both to effectively reach people for Jesus. By being salt and light, we reveal the goodness and greatness of God, inspiring others to praise Him.

Embracing Our Role
Jesus called us to be salt and light. Salt enhances flavors, and light reveals colors. Our role is to bring out the good and reveal God in the world. We are here to be witnesses to His goodness and greatness, inviting others to savor God's goodness and submit to His greatness. By living this out, we fulfill our calling to reveal what the world tries to conceal.

​- Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake Campus on 5/26/24.