Living every day “in the name of the Lord Jesus”
Daily Scripture
Matthew 5:13-16, Colossians 3:17
Matthew 5
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
Colossians 3
17 Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
Jesus couldn’t talk about cars, of course. But in the Sermon on the Mount, he used similar everyday images to show his followers how to function in the world. We might take these abundant elements for granted. But salt and light were well-known parts of daily life that would have resonated deeply with his original audience. Jesus challenged his followers, then and now, to preserve goodness and reveal truth. Even small actions can have far-reaching effects when we genuinely live out our beliefs.
- Jesus emphasized that his followers should be “salt” and “light” in the world, making a positive difference in their communities. Salt preserves and enhances, light illuminates and guides. These metaphors challenge us to consider the impact of our daily lives on those around us. How can you be “salt” and “light” in your everyday interactions this week? What small, intentional actions could you take to bring out the best in others or shed light on a difficult situation?
- Jesus warned against hiding our light or losing our saltiness. He said our faith should be visibly impactful, as the apostle Paul did in Colossians 3. How would your life be different if, say, you shopped “in the name of the Lord Jesus”? Rooted for the Chiefs “in the name of the Lord Jesus”? Voted or did your job “in the name of the Lord Jesus”? Does it feel “heavy” and difficult to think of extending Jesus’ impact on your life to all you do? If so, what might make it freeing and joyous?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, in this darkened, lonely, hurting world, make me more and more transparent so that your light can shine out of me every day like a beacon, spreading love, grace and peace. Amen.
GPS Insights
Amy Oden
Dr. Amy Oden, who writes for us every fourth Wednesday, wrote this inspiring blog in February 2023. She is Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality, teaching at several seminaries. Teaching is her calling, and she looks forward to every day with students. Her latest book (Right Here, Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness, Abingdon Press, 2017) traces ancient mindfulness practice for Christians today.
Jesus says his followers should be salty and lit-up. I love this! At a time when many people hear “Christian” and think dour, self-important people who judge others and live narrow lives, Jesus gives us a very different picture: people with lives so tasty and lit-up that they overflow to bless others. Sounds like a celebration!
So why don’t we live this way? Jesus says we block out our light by covering it up. He uses the image of a basket. I imagine a black-out box covering our light. This keeps us in the dark. Notice that Jesus does not say our light is snuffed out. No, he says our baskets block light because we put them there.
Then let’s pay attention! What are our black-out boxes? Some of us carry the “I’m not really spiritual enough to be considered a good Christian” black-out box and it hides our light. Some of us carry the “I’m right and they’re wrong” basket that hides our light. Some of us carry the “Younger people don’t know everything like I do” basket that covers our light. What is your black-out box? What makes you pick it up and cover your light? Do you have the courage to uncover it?
Today’s Scripture passages invite us to take at least two steps. First, take off whatever blocks the light!
Second, call forth the light in new and younger people. Once we let our lights shine, we are more able to see the light shining in others. God has surely planted lights in new and younger people. Our job is not to tell them they are in the dark. Our job is to see and call forth the light God has put in them.
Let your light shine!
