KEY #4: EMBODYING LOVE, GOOD WORKS AND HELPING OTHERS KNOW JESUS TOO!

Jesus said “You are the salt of the earth …” (Matt. 6:13).

Salt in the first century was an antibacterial! It preserved meat and vegetables and it was so valued that at times the Roman government paid their soldiers with, salt! Jesus was calling those who followed Him the “refrigerant/preserver” of the ancient world. And He was saying that without their influence the world would rot and decay!

The same is true today! Every follower of Jesus is a preserving influence in the world. Wherever you are. Whatever family you are in. Wherever you work. Wherever you play. Wherever you live. Wherever you go to church. As a follower of Jesus, YOU are SALT!

But Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16)

This tells us that every Christian is strategically positioned where they are to influence others by doing good works that help people see what God is doing on earth, and help connect the dots of who the Heavenly Father is! How?

We are to help people physically:

"I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave Me drink. I needed clothes and you clothed Me, sick and you cared for Me, in prison and you visited Me. Whenever you have done this to the least person, you did it to Me."  Matthew 25:35-36 “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

We are to comfort and strengthen people emotionally:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another.” Romans 12:15-16 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” When you minister a word of counsel or encouragement or comfort,that is ministry! I Thess 5:14

We are to help contribute to spiritual needs:

The greatest need a person has is a right relationship with God! Jesus said that many people are ready to have a right relationship with God, if only they heard the truth. (Matt. 9:27-28)  The Bible says, “...faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Rom. 10:17) It’s another way of saying - no one can know the Lord unless they hear the Gospel. (Rom. 10:14-15) That’s where every Christian plays a role. Now that you have experienced a relationship with God, which has changed (or will change) everything in your life for the good, you also have family, friends and acquaintances who need Jesus just as much as you do...they need to know who the Lord is and what He can do for them.  So tell your friends about what the Lord’s done for you and invite them to church!