Jesus At Work...

“You are the salt, you are the light…”

by Lyeah Soland

What type of role models have you chosen to follow in your life? We all have been impacted by a wide range of people. Some examples have been good and others maybe not so good. As I walked through the door of Mercy Street the words that echoed through my head and heart were “you are the salt, you are the light” coming from a familiar passage in the book of Matthew. That moment really sank in when I realized most of these kids have never grown up or been exposed to a positive influence in their life.  So many people today shy away from the responsibility of being a role model. They don’t want any accountability in their lives; but the fact is people are watching and people are imitating. As a body of believers it is our duty to be imitators of Christ. Godly imitation produces changed lives. Each one of us has been so specifically placed here for a reason and purpose. It’s amazing how much these students soak up on a regular basis from the good to the bad. You are all called to be teachers and doers of the word.  In 2 Timothy 2:20-23 it says, “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.”  Paul is wisely telling Timothy that in order for a teacher to be effective, he or she must also live by example. We all must heed this instruction if we truly desire to live out the Great Commission. Now in our sinful nature of course we are not perfect and every day we are challenged with being the salt and the light. We are reminded that our Father who has set an example for us and by His model of living has so drastically changed us by the gospel. And because of that we want to so eagerly share what He has done in our own lives. We set our eyes on an example worth following.