Chris Tiegreen - The One Year Salt and Light Devotional: 365 Inspirations to Equip and Encourage You to Live Out Your Calling in the World

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The One Year Salt and Light Devotional: 365 Inspirations to Equip and Encourage You to Live Out Your Calling in the World

Copyright 2019 by Chris Tiegreen. All rights reserved.

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W E LIVE IN AN AGE when some people believe religion in general or Christianity in particular is one of the most corrosive elements of society, while others believe it is one of the most constructive. We hear absurdly indefensible claims like, Religion is the cause of almost all wars, as well as overly confident claims that virtually all hospitals, homeless shelters, educational norms, traditional values, work ethics, democratic principles, and economic successes spring from Christian ideals. The reality is somewhere in between, but of course we as believers want to make the most of our influence and increase it. Scripture calls us to be the salt of the earth and lights in the world preserving, flavoring, brightening, and warming both society as a whole and the lives of those around us. The Kingdom of God is exceedingly good, and we are to personify it and offer glimpses of it everywhere we go.

Some Christians seem to know how to do that naturally, winsomely, and effectively, while others act out of past wounds, get triggered by conflict, fight fire with fire, and try to win people to the Kingdom by vilifying them. In between, most Christians treasure their beliefs on Sunday but have no idea how to translate their private spirituality into their public interactions. And with good reason: Secular society constantly tries to marginalize faith. People want to cross this divide and make a difference but dont know how. This devotional will suggest creative, nonthreatening, unembarrassing, and (most importantly) effective ways to make a difference.

In our efforts to be a positive force for the Kingdom, we may notice a frequent tension. On the one hand, God has set his people apart to be dedicated to him and conformed to his image. On the other hand, he sends us into the world to be involved and influential. We are in the world but not of the world, and emphasizing one of those truths at the expense of the other leads to imbalance and irrelevance. If we are only set apart to God, we are in no position to make a difference; if we just blend in, we have nothing distinctive about us to make a difference with.

Much of this devotional is about maintaining that balance keeping our saltiness flavorful and our light bright. This is much more than a matter of sharing our faith. Our goal is a lifestyle that begins deep inside and works its way out. The message of Gods Kingdom flourishes best in a climate in which Kingdom truths and values are present. The environment surrounding it matters. On many occasions, we as believers in Jesus will have to take the lead in establishing that environment. We will never establish the Kingdom in its fullness before Jesus returns Kingdom fullness comes with the King but we are nevertheless called to work toward it, to expand it, to partner with him to help it grow.

Throughout this devotional, you will see some of the same themes coming up again and again: the long view versus a short-term approach; a lifestyle that goes well beyond words; the need to embody the truths of Gods Kingdom and the character of the King; what it means to live in the true image of God; and how to serve as an agent or catalyst for Gods blessings. You will also find a prayer at the end of each days reading. These are simple prayers, and some of them may not seem very profound. But they dont need to be profound for God to answer them; they just need to be prayed. If you will express them consistently or use them as prompts to pray deeper, longer prayers, you will find him answering them, sometimes in surprising ways.

Thats my prayer for you as you go through these readings that God will encourage you, move you, and use you in surprising ways to bless this world with his wisdom, power, and love. You carry those blessings with you already, and your world is desperately longing to see them. May they overflow in your life in increasing measure each day.

Psalm 118:25-29

The Rising Light

The L ORD is God, shining upon us. (Psalm 118:27)

F ROM THE OPENING SCENE AT Creation to the eternal daytime of Revelation, Scripture is full of glimpses of light. We know the source of all light, of course: the Father of lights (James 1:17, ESV ), who loves to bless his people with his goodness. Often this true light is reflected in the people who recognize it. After all, Isaiah called Gods people to rise and shine with his glory (Isaiah 60:1-3), and Jesus told his followers not only that he was the light of the world (John 8:12), but that they were too (Matthew 5:14). In the darkness that surrounds us every day, God draws people to himself through human agents who shine with his brilliance.

But you already know we dont shine perfectly; that is painfully obvious. A quick look at history and the culture around us reveals that Gods people have only made a mark on this world when we have demonstrated unusual wisdom, power, or love. These are core attributes of God, and our impact as agents of salt and light will necessarily involve at least one of these three. They make up the foundation of our faith and demonstrate something of who God is to those around us.

This is a high calling higher than our natural abilities. But thats by design. Few people are impressed when we show ourselves to be as wise, empowered, and loving as average people. But when these divine resources flow through us from beyond ourselves, wonderful things happen. Others notice. We become testimonies to a larger truth than even our own finite eyes can see and minds can grasp.

Make this your mission. Seek the gifts that come from beyond yourself. Resolve to live in the light, to reflect the glory of your Father in ways that differ from typical human interaction. Getting there will be a process, but the journey comes with a promise that Gods light, shining in you and through you, will change this world.