Following Jesus, fulfilling His mission, in community together.

On earth as it is in Heaven #4 How we can do justice

We can help create a more just world by being clear about our mission and taking opportunities to fulfill it.

Biblical Passage – Matthew 5:13–16 (NLT) 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

After listing the beatitudes vv 3-12 Jesus then demonstrates the impact these people will make upon the world and he uses two common illustrations – salt and light.

The followers of Jesus would be like salt in that they would create a thirst for genuine righteousness (as opposed to the Scribes and the Pharisees).

When people taste the flavour of Christ’s genuine redemptive community, they will want more. “they will see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

In like manner, light dispels darkness (unless the light is concealed).

Ephesians 5:8 (NLT) 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

When we are confronted with injustice it can be overwhelming, but the reality is that through simple focused acts of grace – being salt and light – we can have a significant impact.