Light

After Matthew 5:10-16 

To be called a light
in the world is to be
called to a singular
purpose. A light is
intended to shine,
not hidden under
a bush. A light is
like a city on a hill,
because it’s visible
to miles to anyone
who looks up.
A light is a lamp
for the world and
a lamp for the house,
and it shines to all
and for all within.
The children sing
this little light of mine,
but the fact is we are
the light,
the lights. 

Photograph by Kevin Finnerman via Unsplash. Used with permission.

Salt

After Matthew 5:10-16 

Salt poses a conundrum. 

Too much, and it ruins. 

Too little, and no one notices. 

Left too long, it turns stale, 

losing its flavor, its power, 

its purpose. In that case, 

it’s good for nothing, 

no longer good for anything 

except the ash heap, to be 

thrown out and trampled. 

So choose what kind of salt 

you will be, and learn how 

to be it. It’s a lifetime education. 

Photograph by Jason Tuinstra via Unsplash. Used with permission.

It's what they do to prophets

After Matthew 5:10-16

All kinds of ways,
all kinds of reasons
to persecute a person,
a believer, but only
one that matters:
when it’s persecution
for righteousness’ sake. 

And what is righteousness,
you might ask; some
examples, please. 

When they revile you.
Lie about you.
Utter evil things about you.
Attack you with words
and deceptive charges
and unfounded accusations
and outright lies simply
because you’re a believer.
You don’t even have to do
anything; just be. And they
hate you because when they
see you and they see me. 

You are blessed.
You inherit the kingdom.
|You receive a great reward.
So be glad, for this is what
they do to prophets. 

Photograph by Possessed Photography via Unsplash. Used with permission.