Let Me Tell You Why We Are Here
January 18, 2022
Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors 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-colors 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! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-14 MSG
Have you ever had a job where you didn’t have a job description or even a reasonable idea of why you were there? I have. It’s unfulfilling, anxiety-producing, and time drags. On the other hand, if you know what you are supposed to do and are in a job that was actually designed for you, fulfilling your purpose is motivating and joy filled.
Jesus flung open the door to spectacular living when he announced, “Let me tell you why you are here.” Then he specified, “God is not a secret to be kept.” Life with the God who created and loves us above all else is what makes life worthwhile. Our main purpose is to share that with the world.
“Followers of Jesus are salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of the world, and light that brings out the God-colors.” This is a natural process—the flavors and colors are already there. When we actually follow Jesus, it happens.
“This is not just for them. It is for you. It is your purpose. If you don’t do it, you have lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” Now that’s a sobering thought. Bringing people to Jesus is not just a casual add-on. It is central to the whole reason we are saved; it is the purpose for anyone who believes. Jesus says if that is not the occupation of my life I have lost my usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
“Living a generous, open life will automatically draw people to life in Me.” We get ourselves so caught up in formulas, systems, and procedures. We learn prayers, “witnessing tools," and get ourselves caught up in “necessary steps” to being an effective witness. Thankfully the first followers had no such illusions, or we would have stalled out in the very beginning. Their generous lives attracted even their enemies. No one had ever loved and served as they did, and the world was changed. The destinies of the people God loves so much were changed forever.
This is what we get to do. It’s our privilege and calling. Followers of Jesus bring people to Jesus.
- For whom are you praying? Who are you inviting to follow Jesus by your generous life? Any improvements come to mind?