How shall the believer with departed saltiness become seasoned once again? How will you shine again if you let the darkness in? As we see the devastation in areas or our world, remember it's a good day for some candor and true repentance before the Lord.
It's so imperative that you stay connected and choose to shine, that your local church and small group Bible fellowship choose to obey the Word and shine, that you are never hidden when people need to see the light of the Lord.
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? ..You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see." Matthew 5:13-14
Christ’s words here were meant as a commission for those He's called. Jesus still calls people to Himself today, then He commissions them to go and make an impact.
“When the heart is burning with love for Jesus, the face will glow with His light.” — D.L. Moody
“To be filled with the Spirit is to have the radiant character of Christ shining through you.” — A.W. Tozer
Side note: Who would ever be bothered by the metaphors in the Bible. I enjoy learning about them. "A metaphor is a literary device that uses an implied comparison between two unlike things to help explain or expound upon an idea. The Bible uses metaphors heavily, especially when talking about Christ. A metaphor claims that one thing is another thing. (This is a little different from a simile, which is an explicit comparison using the word like or as.) However, it’s understood that, when metaphor is employed, the two entities are not literally the same."
We turn to connect with Him (am talkin' repentance and saving faith), and then opt to abide in the Vine (relationship with God through Christ), and then we go bear fruit for Him (with the fruit of the Spirit we win and disciple souls for God).
To be called salt and light is to be entrusted with the holy task of living the life (as Christians, Christ-bearers).. of preserving what is good and revealing what is true in this world that's been unraveling under sin’s corrosion. Salt preserves against corrupting decay; light exposes and guides amid ever-darkening darkness. Both restrain evil simply by existing in their God-ordained purpose. Will believers have spiritual opposition if they shine? Yes. If you don't experience opposition then you need to ask yourself if you are shining right.. if you are really salty or not.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
The Holy Spirit inside each believer and working through the Church is that divine Restrainer in this world—holding back the full tide of end-times wickedness until God’s appointed time. Can you cooperate with Him biblically? Absolutely.
As long as we, His people, walk in the power of the Spirit, we'll act as that moral and spiritual barrier against worldly corruption here. When the salt loses its savor or the light gets hidden somehow via disobedience, then decay and darkness will advance unchecked.
John Stott once said, “God intends us to penetrate the world. Christian salt has no business remaining snug in elegant little ecclesiastical saltshakers; our place is to be rubbed into the secular community as salt is rubbed into meat.”
“A holy church is the world’s best hope.” ~ Charles Spurgeon
Holy is truly is happy, so stay that way with grace. He'll help you to and keep on pointing people to Jesus (not to self) in holiness, believer.
Salt cannot preserve by isolation. There are times to regularly ..daily get alone and pray, but then get with people. Doing nothing is not acceptable.
Salt must touch what is decaying to purify it. Light cannot shine from under anything that blocks light rays, like a basket. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
When we stay connected vertically, helping others to go vertical (connect in righteousness), we live with holy-integrity, compassion, and truth, we then hold back corruption simply by being what Christ made us to be. Have you with clean conversation, been a good example before a watching world? Who are your closest friends? What do you watch, read, and listen to so much of the time? If you haven't been, then start being a good example by His power?
The darker the world becomes, the brighter even a really small light appears. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Are you really young or older and weak? You can still shine. All people need to know and lean into their realationship with Christ who is strong and faithful!
As A.W. Tozer wrote, “The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God, and the Church is famishing for want of His Presence.” The remedy is not withdrawal into isolation, but into faith for revival—our hearts can be rekindled with the fire of the Spirit so the world may again see the glow of the gospel.
If you’ve ever mourned the moral decline of our age, remember: your faithfulness is not small in God’s sight. You are part of His great restraint upon evil, His living witness in a decaying world. “Do all things without complaining and disputing… among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14–15).
Be the salt that purifies. Be the light that exposes and heals. And through your steadfast obedience, may the restraining grace of God flow through you—until the day when Christ Himself, the True Light, returns to reign forever.
Meditate Today Upon Who Radiated God’s Glory While Here:
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Moses — His face literally shone after being in God’s presence.
* “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai... the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.” — Exodus 34:29–35 -
Jesus Christ — The ultimate radiance of God’s glory.
* “His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.” — Matthew 17:2
*“Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person…” — Hebrews 1:3 -
Stephen (the First Martyr) — His face shone like an angel as he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
*“All that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” — Acts 6:15 -
Daniel — His wisdom and countenance reflected divine excellence.
* “In them was found ten times more wisdom... and an excellent spirit was in him.” — Daniel 1:20; 6:3
(Was this shining glow, tangible? Nope. His “excellent spirit” radiated with divine anointing, blessing and favor.) -
The Three Hebrew Men (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) — Their deliverance from the fiery furnace revealed divine glory upon them.
*“The fire had no power over their bodies... nor was the smell of fire on them.” — Daniel 3:27 -
Elijah and Elisha — Their lives shone with miraculous power and heavenly presence.
*“Behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire...” — 2 Kings 2:11 -
The Apostle Paul — Blinded by the glory of Christ’s light on the road to Damascus.
*“Suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.” — Acts 9:3–9
Later, Paul reflected that same inner glory in his transformed ministry:
*“We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
What Believers In the Book Were Shining with God’s Light?
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“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14–16
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“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1
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“Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” — Matthew 13:43
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“Among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.” — Philippians 2:15–16
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“The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” — Numbers 6:25
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“They looked unto Him, and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.” — Psalm 34:5
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“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 4:6
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“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
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“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” — Proverbs 4:18
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“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament.” — Daniel 12:3
Salty, bright, shining.. or glowing believers might not always see the changes in this world they want to see happen.. that they feel really need to see happen during their lifetimes, but they can still be used of God to turn back the tide of wickedness. God can use them to slow the downward free-fall collapse or fast slide as they win some people to Jesus.. as they walk with Him. God can disciple new believers through them.. minus the weird control of others.
There is a wise Restrainer here now, and He opts to work through God's people.The Holy Spirit has never been some spooky kinda personality or Halloween-like ghost, but He is the leading Restrainer (capital R) who indwells all real believers for the Father's good purpose.
We don't strive to or try to reform sinners to live much cleaner (from their bad habits as some religious folk try to do. We witness to win them and God saves who He will. Merely reforming sinners is a waste of time as they switch from one idol to another.. perhaps to self). Yes, we can simply share the gospel and win the lost to Christ (including them wanting Him, choosing his gifts of repentance and saving faith). We do our part and let the Holy Spirit do His part and once saved we pray and let Him begin His sanctifying work on the inside.
Some focus on him, or converse at him, and do this too much!Is that even valid for today?
Let Him restrain you from sin, from all those past places of temptation where you used to go. Allow Him to lead and thwart you from choosing wrong/foolishly due to your old fleshly nature that prods you to re-take part in sin.
Who is the Best Restrainer? This Best Restrainer is the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer.
How does the restrainer do His work? The Holy Spirit, through the Church, acts in harmony with the Word of God -- He is the best Force here, if you will, of holding back much evil from the lawlessness in this world. We live it by His empowering and speak out against sin. Yes, act to protect others!
Come to.. come back to Him. Get right with God today.. now is good!
What happens when the restrainer is removed when the church is pulled out, snatched away, removed from here? The Holy Spirit's role in restraining lawlessness around this globe will end and things will go to pot really quickly then. You thought it was happening quick now, but it would make your head spin so to speak if you were here to see it happen.
What will happen then? Corruption really fast! This will allow the "mystery of iniquity" to fully manifest here, leading to far more open lawlessness.
Again, how does the restrainer work? The Holy Spirit (a real Person) works through the church, living and telling God's Good News from the Bible.
What time is it when it happens that the Restrainer is removed? It's Rapture time. When the church is removed from the earth, the Holy Spirit's role in restraining lawlessness will end.
Will you, Christians, keep seeking Jesus and His will for you first?
* 1. Living as Salt and Light (see these verses in their context)
Matthew 5:13–16 – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Philippians 2:14–16 – “Do all things without complaining and disputing… in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Ephesians 5:8–11 – “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
Colossians 4:5–6 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders… Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.”
Titus 2:11–14 – “Live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
*2. Prayerful Attitude in a Corrupt World
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”
Luke 18:1 – “Men ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
1 Timothy 2:1–2 – “Pray for kings and all in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and honesty.”
Colossians 4:2 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
James 5:16 – “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
* 3. Speaking with Grace and Truth
Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up.”
James 1:19–20 – “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Proverbs 15:1–2 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Matthew 12:36–37 – “For every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”
Colossians 3:8–10 – “Put off anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.”
* 4. Living Pure and Upright in a Dark Age
Romans 13:12–14 – “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
Galatians 5:22–25 – The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
James 1:27 – “Keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy in all your conduct.”
2 Peter 3:11–12 – “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?”
Micah 6:8 – “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Romans 12:9–21 – Love sincerely, bless persecutors, overcome evil with good.
Matthew 7:12 – “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”
* 5. Attitude Toward the World and Its Corruption
1 John 2:15–17 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world.”
John 17:15–18 – Jesus prays, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
2 Timothy 3:1–5 – “In the last days perilous times will come…” yet we must remain godly.
Romans 1:28–32 – A description of a decaying world that rejects God.
Matthew 24:12–14 – “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
Jude 1:20–23 – “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith… keep yourselves in the love of God.”
* 1. Living as Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13–16 – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Philippians 2:14–16 – “Do all things without complaining and disputing… in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Ephesians 5:8–11 – “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
Colossians 4:5–6 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders… Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.”
Titus 2:11–14 – “Live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley
God expects faithfulness and fruitfulness -- so abide in the vine and bear fruit for His glory.
Go for Spirit full and He'll make you successful - be faithful and fruitful.
During the holidays, are you a fake Christmas Tree type person or a go out and cut a tree down, gaining a dead one type of person (it'll fade quickly and the pine needles will turn brown and fall off), or a person who keeps a living tree in the yard with roots still going down into the ground? (Man, Kurt, how can you just mix those metaphors? Dude!)
We've had some real and fake ones before. I planted one Christmas tree at my parents' San Clemente home and it is so So SO TALL and healthy, still bearing fruit today.
Hey Believer, you and I need to abide connected to our Source and keep our roots down in good soil.
“Holiness is not the way to Christ; Christ is the way to holiness.” – Oswald Chambers
* 2. Prayerful Attitude in a Corrupt World
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”
Luke 18:1 – “Men ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
1 Timothy 2:1–2 – “Pray for kings and all in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and honesty.”
Colossians 4:2 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
James 5:16 – “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” – Oswald Chambers
“We must teach our children to pray, for prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse.” – Charles Spurgeon
“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” – Watchman Nee
* 3. Speaking with Grace and Truth
Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up.”
James 1:19–20 – “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Proverbs 15:1–2 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Matthew 12:36–37 – “For every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”
Colossians 3:8–10 – “Put off anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.”
“A gentle answer turns away wrath; but harsh words stir up anger – how true this is in the Christian life.” – Charles Spurgeon
“The tongue is the rudder of the ship of life; steer it wisely.” – John MacArthur
“Speak only if it improves upon the silence.” – Mahatma Gandhi (fitting for the principle of godly speech)
* 4. Living Pure and Upright in a Dark Age
Romans 13:12–14 – “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
Galatians 5:22–25 – The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
James 1:27 – “Keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy in all your conduct.”
2 Peter 3:11–12 – “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?”
Micah 6:8 – “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Romans 12:9–21 – Love sincerely, bless persecutors, overcome evil with good.
Matthew 7:12 – “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”
“Be faithful in little things because it is in them that your strength lies.” – Mother Teresa
“Holiness is not the way to happiness; happiness is the way to holiness.” – A.W. Tozer
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” – John F. Kennedy (Christian principle applied)
* 5. Attitude Toward the World and Its Corruption
1 John 2:15–17 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world.”
John 17:15–18 – Jesus prays, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
2 Timothy 3:1–5 – “In the last days perilous times will come…” yet we must remain godly.
Romans 1:28–32 – A description of a decaying world that rejects God.
Matthew 24:12–14 – “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
Jude 1:20–23 – “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith… keep yourselves in the love of God.”
“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 – amplified by Charles Spurgeon
“When you are living in the world, you will have trouble, but you do not have to be of the world.” – Billy Graham
“In a world that is often corrupt, the Christian’s call is to stand, to shine, and to act as a witness.” – John Stott
