As Christians, we’re called to be world-changers. To go against the status quo, challenge popular culture and encourage others to do good too. We’re supposed to stand out. The Bible says: ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world’ (Romans 12:2 NIV). And one way we can stand out is by acting more like Christ. Jesus said, ‘You shall know them by their fruits’ (Matthew 7:16 NKJV). And those fruits include the fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. But being a Christian in the world is not only about doing good things and acting in a Christlike way, it also means joining God in His mission to transform people and situations. God is a God of exchange. He loves to make broken people whole, despondent people hopeful, and unhappy people joyful. And we can help Him do this. In Matthew, Jesus calls us to be salt and light. The Message puts it like this: ‘Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine!’ (Matthew 5:13-16 MSG). So let’s make a difference and transform society. Let’s be the salt and let’s be the light.
